President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has relived one of the most decisive moments in Uganda’s fight against insurgency, the crushing of Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) commander Vincent Otti’s forces in Teso, saying it marked the beginning of lasting peace in the region.
Addressing thousands of supporters at Soroti Sports Ground on Monday, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential flag bearer recalled how the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) used gunships for the first time in Amuria District nearly two decades ago to end the rebel advance.
“It was here in Teso that we finally defeated the rebels. In Amuria, at a place called Apopong, we used gunships for the first time and they crushed Vincent Otti’s group,” Museveni said, drawing applause from the crowd.
“Before that, we were chasing the rebels on foot, what we called Aibang, fighting without sauce. The gunships became our sauce.”
Museveni said that victory in Teso became a defining moment in Uganda’s history, turning a region once scarred by insurgency and cattle rustling into a model of stability.
Peace and Ideology as Foundations
The President credited the enduring peace to the NRM’s ideological clarity, emphasizing that the movement’s strength lies not only in military success but in its rejection of sectarianism.
“Our contribution is not just the weapons, but the thinking that guides our politics and defence, rejecting sectarianism of tribe or religion and embracing patriotism and pan-Africanism,” he said.
Museveni said the NRM’s first contribution to Uganda was peace which has since paved the way for development, education, and prosperity. He reminded residents that Soroti and other parts of Teso once hosted displaced people in camps, but that era had ended.
“People are now peacefully settled in their homes,” he noted. “The next focus in Teso is wealth creation through livestock restocking. Each household that lost animals will receive five cows.”
Development and Infrastructure
The President outlined what he called the NRM’s “seven key contributions” including peace, infrastructure, wealth creation, service delivery, market expansion, and free education.
He cited major projects in Teso such as the upgraded roads connecting Soroti to Katine, Dokolo, Moroto, and Kumi, alongside expanded rural electrification and improved water access.
“These developments have opened up markets and strengthened livelihoods. The roads and electricity we bring are the foundation, but wealth is created by individuals,” he said.
Wealth Creation and the Four-Acre Model
Reiterating his long-standing message on household prosperity, Museveni urged residents to embrace the four-acre model of farming, combining coffee, bananas, dairy, fruits, and poultry as a proven path to income security.
“Development is government work, but wealth is personal. You must join the money economy,” he emphasized, citing local farmers who had turned their holdings into profitable enterprises.
Free Education and Social Services
The President also renewed his push for free education in all government schools, saying charging fees denies poor families access to learning opportunities.
“The private schools can charge, but government schools must remain free for the poor,” he said firmly.
He added that the NRM government would continue expanding healthcare, water, and electricity coverage to ensure no region is left behind.
A Message of Continuity
Museveni closed his rally with a message of continuity and gratitude, urging the people of Teso to safeguard the peace and progress achieved over the decades.
“It was from here that we restored peace to Uganda. Support the NRM to continue building the country,” he said.