President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential flag bearer, has reiterated his unwavering stance on free education in government schools, describing it as the cornerstone of Uganda’s future.
Addressing a large crowd of supporters in Kapchorwa District on Tuesday, President Museveni emphasized that those who oppose free education are endangering the nation’s progress.
> “Anyone resisting the policy of free education is creating a ticking time bomb — preserving ignorance and robbing our children of their future,” he declared. “Just look at what our youth are producing after only six months in the Presidential Skilling Hubs. Their creativity speaks volumes.”
Accompanied by his daughter, Mrs. Natasha Karugire Museveni, the President said that education must be treated as a shared national responsibility.
> “When a child loses both parents but still dreams of going to school, who will take care of them? Uganda is one family. Through the government, we must carry that burden. These children are our greatest resource,” he said.
Museveni Calls for Environmental Conservation
Turning to environmental matters, the President revisited the long-standing boundary dispute between Mount Elgon National Park and local communities, urging calm and understanding.
> “Our forests, rivers, and wetlands are not political assets — they are life-support systems. Just like the organs of the human body, nature must work in balance for us to survive,” he explained, assuring residents that a government survey team would return to finalize boundary verifications.
Museveni also highlighted the region’s tourism and athletic potential, commending Joshua Cheptegei for using his global success to promote local development.
> “Mountains are not only for farming; they hold potential for tourism, conservation, and other enterprises that can transform livelihoods,” he said.
Support for Landslide Victims
Addressing the persistent challenge of landslides in the Elgon region, the President pledged continued government assistance to affected families.
> “Every household will receive two acres of land, ten million shillings, and compensation for lost property. Once the elections are over, we shall sit and plan long-term resettlement,” he promised.
Empowering the Next Generation
During the event, President Museveni officially handed over NRM party flags to district and parliamentary candidates, urging unity and service to the people.
Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Anitah Among, who also serves as NRM’s Second National Vice Chairperson, applauded the President for maintaining peace and development in the Sebei sub-region.
> “The Parish Development Model has transformed lives here in Sebei, empowering our people to create wealth,” she said.
One of the day’s most inspiring moments came from Ms. Peace Chelangat, a beneficiary of the Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub in Kapchorwa. Once a primary seven dropout, Chelangat now runs a thriving salon employing three people.
> “I joined the hub to learn hairdressing. After six months of training, I used my savings to buy equipment, and today I’m self-employed,” she said. “The President’s program has given us dignity and hope.”
Development Snapshot: Kapchorwa District
According to the 2024 census, Kapchorwa hosts 133,621 residents across 15 sub-counties, 85 parishes, and 641 villages. The Parish Development Model (PDM) has injected Shs 17.91 billion into local economies, reaching 17,168 households, while the Emyooga initiative supports over 25,000 members through 36 SACCOs.
Education remains a priority, with 40 government schools serving more than 35,000 learners. Plans are underway to construct three new secondary schools under the UgIFT and USEEP programs to ensure equitable access across all sub-counties.
Healthcare infrastructure is also expanding, with Amukol HCII and Chepterech HCII slated for upgrades to HCIII status, and clean water projects such as Chemosong Gravity Flow and Sipi Water System expansion underway to reach underserved mountain communities.
Meanwhile, the Cheptui Irrigation Scheme and upcoming climate-smart agriculture projects in Kapropen and Teryet are expected to boost high-altitude horticulture and improve food security.
The Kapchorwa rally was attended by members of the NRM Central Executive Committee, MPs, religious and cultural leaders, and thousands of enthusiastic supporters — underscoring the region’s strong backing for the NRM’s ongoing development agenda.
