President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate for the 2026 elections, kicked off his campaign trail in the West Nile sub-region on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. His first stop was Pakwach District, where thousands of supporters gathered to welcome him.
At the rally, Museveni called for unity, peace, and wealth creation, reminding the people of West Nile how far the region has come. Before the NRM assumed power, many residents lived in exile in Congo and South Sudan due to conflict and instability. “When the NRM came, we reconciled and you returned home. You are witnesses of the peace and stability we brought,” he told the cheering crowd.
The President contrasted Uganda’s stability with the unrest in neighboring South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, emphasizing that Uganda has become a safe haven for refugees. He also reflected on his political journey, noting his involvement since the 1960s and stressing that the NRM’s strength lies in its unity and non-sectarian approach. “Supporting the NRM means supporting what is right and opposing what is wrong,” he said.
Museveni highlighted achievements in infrastructure, education, and health. He noted ongoing repairs on the Karuma–Pakwach–Nebbi–Arua–Koboko road, expanded electricity and mobile networks, and the establishment of 64 primary schools and eight secondary schools in Pakwach, with plans to extend schools to all parishes and sub-counties. Regarding health, he stated that only one sub-county has a Health Centre IV, and a district hospital may be built once resources allow, cautioning against unrealistic demands.
On the economy, Museveni expressed optimism about Uganda’s oil sector, with production expected next year. He assured that oil revenues will fund national development projects like roads, electricity, and healthcare rather than luxury imports. He also emphasized household wealth creation, urging residents to utilize the Parish Development Model (PDM), which provides Shs 100 million per parish annually for income-generating projects, sharing success stories of local farmers who had benefited.
Museveni announced new government funds targeting religious and cultural leaders, unemployed graduates, and fishermen. He highlighted fisheries, noting that soldiers have been deployed to protect breeding areas and combat illegal fishing, and explained how fishponds can generate significant income, promising a Fisheries Development Fund to modernize the sector.
The President addressed the land conflict between the Jonam and Acholi communities east of the Nile, pledging a judicial commission to find a fair solution. Local leaders thanked him for development support but requested the Fisheries Protection Unit reduce its strict enforcement approach.
NRM officials expressed confidence in strong voter support for Museveni in West Nile, noting that past election results have shown the region as an NRM stronghold, strengthened by initiatives like the PDM, road construction, and rural electrification.
At the rally’s conclusion, Museveni handed over party flags to NRM candidates, welcomed new members from other parties, and urged all to maintain discipline, unity, and mobilization for development. Later in the evening, he met journalists from the Lango sub-region to discuss his campaign progress.
