Museveni Promises More Development in Arua as He Rallies Support for NRM

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential flag bearer, has urged the people of Arua to remain united behind the ruling party, citing its role in fostering peace, unity, and development in the region.

Accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon Janet Kataaha Museveni, the President made the remarks during a campaign rally held at Arua City Golf Course.

The campaign is being conducted under the theme: “Protecting the Gains, Making a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status.”

President Museveni outlined the significant progress achieved under NRM leadership in education, health, infrastructure, and economic empowerment across Arua District and Arua City.

“In Arua District and Arua City, there are a total of 120 government primary schools, 50 in Arua District and 70 in Arua City. There are also 7 government secondary schools in the district and 9 in the city. For someone who has been here for a long time, I am very happy to see this progress,” he said.

The President reminisced about the past state of education in Uganda, noting the remarkable expansion in opportunities.

“In 1961, when I was at Ntare School, many boys from West Nile came there because there was no single A’ Level school in Northern or Eastern Uganda. There were only six A’ Level schools in the whole country. So, when I see that Arua City alone now has nine, I am very happy.”

Addressing challenges in education, the President highlighted the success of the Presidential Zonal Skilling Hubs.

“Children who had dropped out of school because of fees are now getting free training in shoemaking, metalwork, carpentry, and building. In just six months, they are producing good products. I teach them for free,” he said.

President Museveni pledged to eliminate school charges in government schools and increase the number of teachers.

“In the next government, let’s remove school charges in government schools. We shall recruit 50,000 more teachers so that there is no shortage and no reason for charging money. We must emphasize day schools, one primary school per parish and one secondary school per sub-county, so that children can study and go home.”

On health, he announced that the NRM government plans to upgrade Orivu Health Centre III in Ayivu East Division to a Health Centre IV, and Lazebu Health Centre II in Arivu Sub-County to a Health Centre III.

The President also emphasized the importance of income generation and local production.

“If you don’t have income at home, you create problems for your family and your country because the government collects taxes from what you buy. Government jobs are only 480,000, while factories have created 1.2 million jobs. That’s why the NRM says Uganda must unite. When I produce milk in Mbarara, I’m happy when people in Arua buy it. We need a broad market, Uganda, East Africa, and Africa.”

The President concluded the rally by handing party flags to NRM parliamentary flag bearers and welcoming 300 new party members, who were introduced by Mr. Lawrence Dangote, the NRM flag bearer for the mayorship of Arua City.

Hon Janet Museveni urged the people of Arua to remain patriotic and steadfast in their support for the NRM.

“Thank you for being patriots and nationalists who love your homeland and have not forgotten where we came from. NRM is a party of the people, for the people of Uganda,” she said.

She emphasized the importance of deliberate action to ensure continued national progress.

“We must be deliberate in all we do so that Uganda grows from strength to strength. The world thinks African countries are weak and confused, but by God’s grace, Uganda will continue to grow.”

The First Lady also reminded voters of their responsibility on election day.

“Ensure that no one stays home on voting day. Your vote is for your family, your children, and Uganda’s peace. Vote for President Museveni and all NRM candidates,” she urged.

She concluded by thanking Arua residents for their loyalty.

“You have refused to forget. You have a responsibility to ensure that NRM wins overwhelmingly in Arua. God bless you.”

Arua City NRM Chairperson, Ms. Joyce Amaguru, praised President Museveni for transforming the region.

“We are grateful, Your Excellency, for giving us this city and for the peace we enjoy. Many of our health facilities have been upgraded, education is free, roads have been tarmacked, and our region has been connected to the national grid. We are even getting a Heart and Lung Institute at Muni University,” she said.

On education, she reported:

“Arua District has 50 government primary schools with 64,668 pupils and 7 secondary schools with 3,780 students. Arua City has 70 government primary schools with 110,136 pupils and 9 secondary schools with 4,616 students. All benefit from USE and UPOLET programs. These are your achievements, Your Excellency.”

She also cited progress in water and market infrastructure.

“We now have 15% household access to clean water. You also helped fund the completion of Ojipala Market in Vurra, and through special funds, PDWs received Shs 65 million while the elderly got Shs 20 million.”

Amaguru pledged strong electoral support for the NRM.

“We can’t thank you enough, Your Excellency. Arua City will give you 90% of the vote.”

NRM Arua District Chairman, Mr. Arion Bonifance, echoed the appreciation and recalled the region’s difficult past.

“I was born in Congo, not because I wanted to, but because of insecurity in Uganda then. We thank you, Your Excellency, for the peace and love you have given us,” he said.

The rally was attended by NRM Central Executive Committee members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, and thousands of enthusiastic supporters.