President Museveni vows to build on Madi-Okollo’s development record

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In Madi-Okollo, where the hum of new electricity lines now cuts across once-quiet villages, President Yoweri Museveni on Monday, October 13, told cheering residents that the transformation they see is only the beginning.

“When I come to Madi-Okollo and see electricity poles, a functional murrum road, and people holding phones, I feel very happy,” he said, assuring that the next government would “definitely” expand physical and social infrastructure.

The NRM presidential flag bearer, while addressing a campaign rally in the district, said West Nile’s infrastructure revival demonstrates how peace has translated into progress. He listed new and ongoing road projects, including the Vurra–Arua–Koboko and Nebbi–Alwii routes, and the Karuma–Olwiyo rehabilitation.

Museveni highlighted education as central to the NRM’s campaign platform, citing the district’s network of government-supported schools and the plan to hire 50,000 teachers nationwide. “If you vote for us, we shall recruit over 50,000 teachers to fill gaps and stop the excuse of fees in government schools,” he said.

He pointed to Presidential Zonal Skilling Hubs as a solution for youth unemployment, offering short-term training that leads directly to self-employment.

Healthcare and livelihoods

On health, the President said the upgrade of Rhino Health Centre III to IV will ensure access to quality services. He reiterated that investment in social infrastructure is inseparable from peace.

The President also turned attention to household income, calling on residents to make full use of PDM funds. “Our next main agenda, which we have already started on, is household poverty alleviation,” he said.

He said Madi-Okollo alone has received sh14 billion under PDM and announced upcoming funds for graduates and fishermen to boost local enterprise.

First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni praised residents for their turnout and reaffirmed the NRM’s message of stability and development.

“When we come together like this, we are grateful to the NRM government for the achievements it has made. The NRM government has built the foundation on which Uganda stands today, schools, hospitals, and roads, and is now going into people’s families to promote wealth,” she said.

NRM vice chairperson for Northern Uganda, Hamson Obua, commended the President for his focus on electrification and social transformation in the region.

The district, home to about 178,000 people, has recorded major development milestones, from 78 percent safe water coverage to the ongoing Aliboro Solar-Powered Irrigation System. Environmental projects have restored forests and farmland, with over 324,000 trees planted under national programmes.

Museveni said these investments reflect what he called the NRM’s “deliberate and guided” approach to improving lives.