By Catherine Namuddu
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s recent campaign tour of the Teso Sub-region once again underscored his enduring message of peace, stability, and socio-economic transformation — pillars upon which the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government has built its legacy over nearly four decades.
As the President traversed districts such as Soroti, Kumi, Katakwi, Bukedea, Amuria, and Serere, thousands of residents turned up to welcome him. His message was consistent and clear: peace is the foundation of development, and wealth creation is the next frontier for every Ugandan household.
In his engagements, President Museveni commended the people of Teso for their steadfast support toward the NRM and for safeguarding the peace that the country enjoys today. He reminded them that Uganda’s transformation did not come by accident but through deliberate policies centered on security, infrastructure development, and economic empowerment.
“The peace and progress that Ugandans enjoy today did not come by accident. They are a result of our consistent efforts under the NRM to ensure security, promote development, and empower households to create wealth,” President Museveni said.
This message struck a familiar yet powerful chord in a region that, two decades ago, was plagued by insecurity and cattle rustling. The return of peace has allowed Teso to flourish again — with improved roads, electricity access, and expanded social services in health and education. From the upgraded Soroti–Moroto road to the extension of rural electrification and the rise of small-scale enterprises, the fruits of stability are visible.
President Museveni urged residents to take advantage of government wealth creation programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga. These initiatives, he argued, are designed to lift households from subsistence to commercial production.
“Development is good, but wealth creation is what transforms a family. You don’t need tarmac roads to succeed. We have examples of people who listened to my message on wealth creation and are thriving even in remote areas,” he told the cheering crowd.
Indeed, the President’s emphasis on individual and community productivity mirrors the broader NRM philosophy of self-reliance — a concept that has guided Uganda’s socio-economic planning since the 1990s. His remarks on job creation also tied directly to this principle.
“Where do jobs come from? They come from wealth creation — in commercial agriculture, manufacturing, and services like hotels. When we create wealth, we create jobs,” he emphasized.
Beyond economics, Museveni used his platform in Teso to reignite his long-standing call for free and universal education. He expressed frustration over reports that some government schools continue to charge fees, forcing many children to drop out. Citing the success of skilling hubs that offer free six-month training programs, he argued that education must remain accessible if Uganda is to sustain its progress.
“I would like NRM people to notice three things: one, children are dropping out because of school fees; two, when I started skilling hubs, those children became productive within six months; and three, they are now producing items we used to import from China,” he said.
Vice President Jessica Alupo, a daughter of Teso, echoed the President’s sentiments, urging the people of the region to continue trusting his leadership. She credited the peace and development seen in Teso to Museveni’s consistency in governance and long-term planning.
The President’s campaign in Teso was not just another stop on the Electoral Commission’s campaign calendar — it was a reminder of how far the region has come under the NRM and how much more can be achieved if the momentum is sustained. For many in Teso, Museveni’s legacy is not merely political; it is personal. Peace returned to their villages, cattle rustling diminished, and economic opportunities expanded.
As the campaign trail moves to other parts of Uganda, the President’s message remains steady: peace, development, and wealth creation are inseparable pillars for national transformation. Whether one supports the NRM or not, it is undeniable that stability has provided the foundation upon which Uganda’s development story continues to unfold.
In Teso, that message resonates deeply — a testament to a people who have tasted both conflict and peace and now know, from experience, which path leads to progress.
The writer works with Uganda Media Centre.
