President Museveni’s Campaign in West Nile: A Call for Unity and Development
On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, the NRM presidential candidate, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, launched a new phase of his nationwide campaign with a grand entry into the West Nile sub-region. The event took place in Pakwach District, where he addressed thousands of enthusiastic supporters.
Museveni emphasized the NRM’s role in maintaining peace and unity in Uganda over the decades. He highlighted how the region, once volatile, has transformed into a stable and developing area under the party’s leadership. “When the NRM came to power, many of you were in exile in Congo and South Sudan. I hear that many of you were born there, but when the NRM came, we reconciled, and you people came back immediately. So, you’re the best witnesses to talk about the strength of the NRM,” he said.
He contrasted Uganda’s stability with the instability in neighboring countries like South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. “Uganda is now hosting very many refugees, and you know those refugees. So you’re the best witness,” he added.
Political Journey and Ideological Foundations
Museveni reflected on his political journey, tracing the roots of the NRM’s ideology back to the 1960s. He explained that his involvement in politics began in 1960, long before the liberation struggle, at a time when Ugandan politics were polarized along tribal and religious lines. “The problem was that those parties were based on sectarian grounds of tribes and religion,” he noted.
In 1971, he formed FRONASA, which became part of the liberation struggle. “Since then, we have always supported what is right and opposed what is wrong,” he added, emphasizing that the NRM’s foundation was built on national unity, not sectarianism.
Economic and Social Infrastructure
Museveni outlined key achievements under the NRM government, dividing development into two categories — economic infrastructure and social infrastructure. He cited major road works such as the Karuma-Pakwach-Nebbi-Arua-Koboko road, which is currently under repair, and the expansion of electricity and telephone connectivity as examples of economic infrastructure enabling development in the region.
On social infrastructure, the president noted significant progress in education and health in Pakwach District. He mentioned that the district now has 64 government primary schools and 8 government secondary schools, though 20 of the 68 parishes still lack primary schools. “We shall ensure that every parish has a government primary school, and every sub-county has a secondary school,” Museveni pledged.
Health and Resource Management
Regarding health, the President noted that out of the 10 sub-counties in Pakwach, only one has a Health Centre IV. He acknowledged demands from local leaders for a district hospital and promised to consider the request within the national budget framework. “I was in Oyam district earlier today and they want to divide it into two districts. Then I said what do we do with the roads, and they said forget about the road, and we get the district. You have to be serious with your demands,” he said.
Oil Sector and Wealth Creation
Museveni highlighted Uganda’s emerging oil sector as a new source of national wealth, noting that petroleum production is set to begin next year. “The good thing is that God is always with the NRM. The British were here for over 60 years and failed to find oil. We discovered it, and next year we shall start pumping,” he said.
He urged the people of West Nile to use the Parish Development Model (PDM) funds effectively to fight household poverty, noting that the government sends Shs 100 million per parish per year to support income-generating projects. “The message of the NRM is that you should not be diverted by development things. Seek first homestead income, and the rest will be added unto you,” he said.
Fisheries and Land Disputes
Museveni addressed concerns from fishing communities, explaining the government’s plans to reorganize and modernize the fisheries sector. He showcased videos of his fishponds in Lango, demonstrating aquaculture’s potential as an alternative to wild fishing. “From a fishpond of 20 by 50 meters, my people are earning Shs 100 million. The government can build such ponds for you so that you get out of the wetlands,” he said.
He also announced plans to establish a commission of inquiry to investigate the historical and legal aspects of the Jonam land dispute east of the Nile River. “I will appoint a judicial-type commission with authority to tell us the history of that area and handle these issues,” Museveni said.
Regional Support and Future Plans
Pakwach District LC5 Chairperson Robert Omito welcomed President Museveni, noting it was his first visit since 2015. He thanked the President for supporting the district through the Parish Development Model, noting that Shs 14 billion had been injected into 48 SACCOs.
Jacan Omach, Deputy Chairman of the NRM Electoral Commission, reaffirmed West Nile’s support for the NRM. “We shall give you over 85 percent of the votes in West Nile,” Omach pledged.
West Nile, Uganda’s gateway to South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, comprises 13 districts and one city. The region has been a stronghold for the NRM in recent years, particularly after the implementation of government programs such as the PDM, road construction, and rural electrification.
During the rally, President Museveni handed over flags to NRM flag bearers contesting in the 2026 elections and welcomed new converts from other political parties who joined the NRM. He encouraged them to uphold party discipline and continue mobilizing support for the NRM’s victory in the upcoming elections.
The ceremony was attended by ministers from West Nile, Members of Parliament, NRM Central Executive Committee members, party flag bearers, local leaders, as well as cultural and religious representatives.
Later in the evening, President Museveni held an interactive session with journalists from the Lango sub-region, briefing them on the progress of his campaign trail and responding to questions.
