Museveni Promises Education, Jobs & Unity As NRM Mobilizes Supporters In Arua, Madi-Okollo

By Frank Kamuntu

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and First Lady Maama Janet Museveni on Monday addressed thousands of jubilant supporters across West Nile, urging continued backing for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ahead of the next general elections.

In Arua, the leaders addressed a massive crowd at the Golf Course Grounds, where residents from across the region turned out in large numbers. President Museveni lauded the NRM for transforming Uganda from a nation once divided by conflict and sectarian politics into a country united by peace, stability, and development.

“The NRM opposed politics of sectarianism and marginalization. We built a national party that unites Ugandans regardless of tribe, religion, or gender. That is why we win on the first round,” he said.

He highlighted the party’s achievements in building strong national institutions, including the army, police, judiciary, and civil service, emphasizing meritocracy over identity. Museveni also cited advances in education, noting that Arua City and District now boast 120 government primary schools and 16 government secondary schools, compared to none in the northern and eastern regions in 1961.

“In 1961, there was not a single A-Level school in Northern or Eastern Uganda. Today, Arua alone has several secondary schools — a sign of the journey we have walked,” he noted.

The President also highlighted the Presidential Skilling Hubs, a State House initiative providing free vocational training to equip youth with practical skills for wealth creation and self-reliance.

“I started the skilling hubs to teach young people practical skills. This is serious business — we are preparing our youth for a productive future,” he said.

The First Lady thanked residents for their support and called on voters to continue standing with the NRM to safeguard peace and unity.

“Vote for the President, vote for all NRM candidates, and may God bless you,” she urged.

In Madi-Okollo District, Museveni and Mrs. Museveni rallied supporters at Ajai Sports Stadium, reiterating NRM’s commitment to peace, infrastructure development, and social service delivery.

“Before NRM, there was war. Many of you were refugees in Congo and South Sudan. Today, Uganda is peaceful, and others seek refuge here. That peace is because of our politics of unity — rejecting tribalism, religious divisions, and gender discrimination,” the President said.

Museveni highlighted improvements in electricity, roads, and communication across West Nile, promising further infrastructure development.

He also addressed education challenges, noting that Madi-Okollo has 69 government primary schools and six secondary schools, but 14 parishes and six sub-counties remain underserved.

“We are constructing a new secondary school in one of the underserved sub-counties. With your support, we will ensure all areas have schools and no child misses out,” he said, adding that 50,000 more teachers would be recruited to eliminate illegal fees and improve access to free education.

On youth empowerment, Museveni emphasized the Presidential Skilling Hubs, offering fully-sponsored training in trades such as tailoring, carpentry, mechanics, and agribusiness.

“These hubs provide complete free training — we teach, feed, and house the students,” he explained.

On health and poverty, the President acknowledged ongoing challenges but called for continued work and support for NRM policies.

“The poverty you left in the morning is still waiting for you at home. We don’t have sugar, proper clothes, or good houses. That is why we must keep working — and we can only do that if you support NRM,” he said.

Museveni concluded by urging full voter participation in the upcoming elections.

“Let all our votes come out. Nobody should stay home on voting day. We need to secure Uganda’s future and continue this journey of transformation,” he said.

The rallies in Arua and Madi-Okollo formed part of the NRM’s nationwide campaign under the theme #ProtectingTheGains, aimed at consolidating achievements in peace, infrastructure, education, and youth empowerment, and preparing Ugandans for continued socio-economic transformation.