President Museveni has commended the residents of Soroti for their continued support to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and hailed the peace and development strides achieved under his government.
The President, who received a warm welcome during a campaign rally in Soroti City, reflected on the region’s transformation from instability to progress.
“I remember when I was here fighting, they ambushed me in Acholi, but it was in Teso where I defeated the rebels; in Anyara, we killed their commander Tabuley. That’s how eventually we got peace in Soroti and across Uganda,” Museveni said. “But it’s not only about weapons; our main principle is rejecting politics of sectarianism, tribe, or religion. We love Uganda.”
Museveni highlighted the NRM government’s investments in roads, electricity, water, education, and health infrastructure, describing them as key pillars of transformation.
“In Soroti, we have repaired major roads, including Tororo to Soroti, Katine to Otuboi, Soroti to Amuria and Ochapi, Serere to Soroti, and Katakwi–Toroma to Bisna. All Sub-County headquarters in Soroti District and Soroti City now have electricity,” he said.
On water access, the President noted that 263 out of 359 rural villages in Soroti District now have access to safe water, representing 73% coverage. Soroti City’s piped water system currently serves 83,615 people. Ongoing works include the drilling of nine deep boreholes, rehabilitation of 11, and the construction of new piped systems in Tubur and Kamuda towns.
President Museveni reaffirmed his government’s commitment to improving education and health services across the region.
Soroti District currently has 69 government primary schools, while Soroti City has 29. He noted that more schools are planned for parishes still lacking facilities. Three new seed secondary schools are under construction, and major institutions such as Teso College Aloet, Soroti Secondary School, and St. Francis Schools for the Blind are being rehabilitated.
In the health sector, Soroti District has one Health Centre IV and five HCIIIs, with plans to upgrade Tirinya HCIV to a general hospital and Kamuda HCIII to HCIV. Soroti Regional Referral Hospital now has a functional ICU, radiology services, and a fully operational oxygen plant.
The president underscored that while government ensures infrastructure development, citizens must drive wealth creation through commercial agriculture and enterprise.
“Development is brought by government, but wealth must be created by you in your homes. Programs like NAADS, PDM, and Emyooga are here to support you,” he said.
He revealed that the government has adopted a new strategy for cattle restocking in Lango, Acholi, and Teso sub-regions, giving each household five cows to restore livelihoods affected by insurgency and cattle rustling.
Museveni emphasized that real job creation stems from productive sectors such as agriculture, industry, ICT, and services — not solely from government employment.
“There are only 480,000 government jobs — how can they serve 50 million people? Jobs come from wealth creation,” he stressed.
Several NRM leaders from the Teso sub-region praised the president for spearheading peace, education, and infrastructure development in Soroti.
Anita Among, the NRM Second National Vice Chairperson, thanked the President for elevating Soroti to city status and driving significant growth.
Eastern Uganda NRM Vice Chairperson Calvin Echodu lauded the peace and business recovery in Soroti, saying the city is ready for further development, including the establishment of a first-class golf club.
On the other hand, Soroti City NRM Chairperson Enomu John pledged overwhelming support for the president in the forthcoming elections, while Soroti District NRM Chairperson Herbert Edmund Ariko appreciated government projects such as Soroti University and the expansion of education and health facilities.
