President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential Candidate in the 2026 General Elections, on Monday, October 13, 2025 addressed a crowd in Madi-Okollo District, West Nile Sub-region, where he reaffirmed the NRM’s 40-year legacy of peace, unity, and socio-economic transformation. The rally, held at Ajai Sports Stadium, one of the notable infrastructure developments under the NRM government drew thousands of supporters, local leaders, youth, among others.
In his address, President Museveni emphasised that the NRM’s most significant contribution to Uganda has been the restoration and preservation of peace. He reminded the people of West Nile of their past experiences when insecurity forced many into exile in the neighbouring countries of Congo and South Sudan.
“You the people of West Nile, you know what peace means,” the President said. “Today, refugees come here because there is peace in Uganda. You must preserve that peace by supporting the NRM.”
He attributed the enduring stability to the NRM’s politics of unity, which rejects sectarian divisions based on tribe, religion, or gender. According to the President, it is this inclusive ideology that has enabled the country to remain peaceful and steadily progress toward prosperity.
President Museveni outlined the NRM’s second major contribution, “development” dividing it into economic and social infrastructure. He highlighted government’s achievements in extending electricity to rural areas, constructing roads, and improving telecommunication and water networks.
“When I come to Madi-Okollo and I see electricity poles, I feel very happy,” he said, noting that West Nile’s connection to the national grid was a significant milestone achieved under the NRM.
On roads, the President cited ongoing and planned projects such as the Nebbi–Alwi, Olwiyo–Pakwach, Karuma–Olwiyo, and Koboko–Yumbe–Moyo roads, among others, which are steadily improving connectivity in the region.
On education, the President revealed that Madi-Okollo currently boasts 69 government and 26 private primary schools, alongside 6 government and 10 private secondary schools, with all government schools providing Universal Primary and Secondary Education. He pledged that in the next NRM term (2026–2031), the NRM government will ensure every sub-county has a secondary school, construct new classrooms, recruit 50,000 new teachers, and continue sponsoring students in public universities and industrial hubs.
On health, President Museveni announced plans to upgrade Rhino Camp Health Centre IV to a General Hospital, construct new health facilities in underserved sub-counties, and use ICT to track medicines and staff attendance to improve service delivery.
Addressing economic empowerment, the President urged the people of Madi-Okollo to fully embrace the Parish Development Model (PDM) as a pathway to household income growth. He reminded citizens that national development depends on individual economic activity.
“When you have money in your home, you are supporting the country. Roads, schools, and hospitals are built through taxes. If you don’t earn or buy from shops, you paralyze the economy,” he explained.
President Museveni revealed that under the PDM, each parish receives UGX 100 million annually for five years, amounting to UGX 500 million, with plans to add UGX 15 million specifically for local leaders to participate in income-generating activities. He stressed that beneficiaries must repay their loans to their SACCOs to sustain the revolving fund.
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mama Janet Museveni, commended the people of Madi-Okollo for turning up in large numbers, saying their support reflected the strength of the NRM in the country.
“The NRM has built the foundation on which Uganda stands today. Children go to school, the sick people are treated in hospitals, and families are being helped to overcome poverty. Let us all go out and vote for President Museveni and the NRM team so that Uganda can continue moving forward,” she urged.
NRM Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda, Hon. Hamson Obua, also lauded the President for spearheading transformative projects in the region, including roads, electricity, and improved social services.
Local residents echoed these sentiments. Ali Bakit, a 24-year-old youth, said he had benefited from the Parish Development Model funds, which enabled him to start income-generating projects. He encouraged fellow youth to “protect the gains” by voting for President Museveni in the forthcoming elections.
District Resident Commissioner Joseph Masereka Kisembo highlighted visible achievements in the young district, including the construction of Ajai Sports Stadium under the NRM government where the rally was held. Meanwhile, Alice Rizuyo, a resident of Madi-Okollo Town Council, expressed gratitude for the President’s initiatives empowering women through the PDM and GROW project funds.
President Museveni’s rally in Madi-Okollo was not just a campaign stop; it was a reaffirmation of the NRM’s enduring vision for a peaceful, united, and prosperous Uganda.
As the President continues his tour of the West Nile Sub-region, his message remains clear, to protect the gains of peace, expand opportunities for all, and consolidate Uganda’s steady progress toward middle-income status.
Joellah Anshemeza
Communications Officer, GCIC-State House.
