President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today received a warm reception in Soroti City as he addressed residents and leaders of both Soroti City and District during his campaign rally.
Recalling the difficult days before the NRM government brought peace, President Museveni said, “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. But it’s not only about weapons; the main thinking is that we do not believe in politics of sectarianism, tribe, or religion. We love Uganda.”
The President explained that the NRM’s second contribution to Uganda’s transformation is development, particularly economic and social infrastructure.
“In Soroti, we have repaired major roads, including Tororo up to here, Katine to Otuboi, Soroti to Amuria and Ochapi, Serere to here, and Katakwi-Toromo to Bisna. All Sub-County headquarters in Soroti District and Soroti City now have electricity,” he said.
On water, President Museveni said, “Out of 359 rural villages in Soroti District, 263 now have access to safe water, representing 73% coverage, while Soroti City has 83,615 people served by piped water supply. Work is ongoing to drill nine new deep boreholes, rehabilitate 11 boreholes, and construct new piped water systems in Tubur and Kamuda towns. We are committed to expanding access to clean and safe water for all.”
The President emphasized education, noting that Soroti District has 69 government primary schools across 54 parishes, while Soroti City has 29 government primary schools across 25 parishes.
“Some parishes still lack a school, and we must ensure every child has access. When it comes to secondary education, Soroti District has 5 government secondary schools and 17 private schools, with 7 sub-counties still without a government secondary school,” he said.
“Soroti City has 5 government secondary schools and 52 private schools, covering all its sub-counties. Additionally, three new Seed Secondary Schools are under construction, and we are rehabilitating Teso College Aloet, Soroti Secondary School, and St. Francis Schools for the Blind.”
On health, President Museveni said in Soroti District, out of 12 sub-counties, one has a Health Centre IV, five have HCIIIs, and six sub-counties still lack higher-level facilities.
“We are upgrading Tirinya HCIV to a general hospital, Kamuda HCIII to HCIV, and several HCII facilities to HCIIIs across sub-counties. In Soroti City, the Regional Referral Hospital, one HCIV, and five HCIIIs provide coverage across the city. Soroti RRH has a functional ICU with three beds, X-ray and ultrasound services with three radiologists, and a functional oxygen plant. We are continuing immunization programs, expanding health services, and ensuring all government health units are properly equipped.”
President Museveni also emphasized wealth creation.
“Development is brought by the government, but wealth must be created by you in your homes. Our manifesto outlines activities that can help people transition from poverty — planting coffee, fruits, food crops, pasture, poultry, piggery, or fish farming depending on the land you have. Programs like NAADS, PDM, and Emyooga are here to support you, and I urge you to take advantage of them.”
On cattle restocking, the President said the NRM government has already found a fair solution for cattle compensation in Lango, Acholi and Teso sub-regions.
“These areas were disturbed by insurgency and cattle rustling, and after the war, we started restocking. We had given Shs.159 billion, but I did not see the change on the ground. I therefore proposed giving each household five cows. I brought the idea to the leaders, sent them to discuss it with you, and I was told you accepted it. We have therefore adopted the idea — it is very expensive, but we shall do it.”
He also stressed that jobs come from wealth creation in commercial agriculture, industries, ICT and services, giving examples of local farmers creating employment.
“NRM always wants politics of knowledge, not politics of propaganda. Some try to give you the impression that jobs come from the government, but there are only 480,000 government jobs — how can they serve 50 million people?” he noted.
“We are providing security, transport, and other services, but where programs fail, we propose that locally elected leaders like LC1, LC3, and LC5 supervise and are held accountable. On markets, Uganda needs East African integration because the internal market is not enough. Education is critical, we now provide free six-month skilling programs to equip youth with skills to produce items that were previously imported from China and Italy,” he said.
Rt. Hon. Anita Among, Second National Vice Chairperson of NRM, thanked President Museveni for granting Soroti city status and commended the development and infrastructure improvements in the district and city.
Mr. Calvin Echodu, NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, assured the President of the support of Soroti residents and thanked him for the prevailing peace in Soroti City, noting that business is now booming and the city is ready for further development, including a first-class golf club.
Mr. Enomu John, NRM Chairperson for Soroti City, pledged massive support for President Museveni in the forthcoming elections and thanked him for the establishment of skilling hubs that have equipped the youth with practical skills.
Hon. Herbert Edmund Ariko, NRM Chairperson for Soroti District, commended the President for Soroti University, the city status, and other development achievements, noting that Soroti City is now fully back within the NRM family and that the President and party are poised for a resounding victory in the upcoming polls.
