Published on 05/11/2025
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni wrapped up his campaign tour in Teso with a message of peace and development.
As he spoke to a crowd in Bukedea, he reflected on the journey Uganda has made, from the turbulence of war to the stability enjoyed today, especially in regions like Teso.
Drawing on his personal experiences, Museveni recalled how he had camped at Nyero Rock during his fight against rebels, and he noted the remarkable progress since those times, including the construction of a primary school on the very site where he once camped.
“Yesterday, I was in Kumi, and I remembered when I used to camp at Nyero Rock to fight the rebels. And I’m glad to hear that my people have built a primary school there,” Museveni shared, underscoring the contrast between past conflicts and present-day peace.
He reminded the crowd that his leadership had been instrumental in bringing stability to Uganda, allowing it to thrive as a beacon of peace, even amid conflicts in neighboring countries like South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
A central theme of President Museveni’s address was the significant strides Uganda has made in infrastructure development, particularly in roads.
Museveni emphasized that roads are the foundation of economic development, and Teso has seen substantial improvements in its road network over recent years.
The region is now connected by tarmacked roads, such as the one stretching from Tororo to the South Sudan border, and another connecting Moroto to Bugisu, with further road projects planned to link Teso with Karamoja, northern Uganda, and the rest of the country.
“There is another road we are making from Soroti to Abim,” Museveni announced, emphasizing that these new road networks will dramatically improve access and mobility in Teso, facilitating trade and integration across regions.
He also assured the people of Teso that the remaining three key roads, including one linking Kumi to Ngora, will soon be completed, further solidifying the area’s connectivity.
With roads already in place, Museveni also touched on the crucial need for ongoing development in rural areas. He highlighted the road project connecting Kumi to Ongino, which will link up with the ferry to enhance regional trade, as well as the Katakwi-Toroma road, which will give more direct access to Lake Kyoga.
“Once these roads are completed, all of Teso will be linked with Karamoja, with Northern Uganda, and with the rest of the country,” he promised, ensuring that the region would not only be connected locally but would also play a more central role in the country’s overall development.
The President recounted the relentless struggles against cattle rustlers in the region, a threat he had confronted personally. He praised the peace achieved under his administration, crediting the National Resistance Movement (NRM) for its success in tackling insecurity.
Today, he emphasized, Uganda remains an “island of peace,” home to over 1.9 million refugees, with security forces always ready to neutralize threats before they can disturb the region.
Museveni outlined the significant strides made in both economic and social infrastructure in Teso and beyond. With the expansion of road networks, electricity, and water systems, Teso has seen major improvements.
The NRM Chairman pointed to the widespread electrification efforts, with most sub-counties now receiving power, and promised that even the most remote areas, like Kocheka and Kowena, would soon be connected to the grid.
In terms of water supply, Museveni spoke proudly of the progress made, noting that 80% of Bukedea’s villages now have access to borehole water. He further promised the completion of a major water scheme aimed at ensuring every village has access to clean, piped water.
The ambitious Kyoga-Gweri-Teso Water Scheme, he added, will cover districts across the region, using a gravity-powered system to transport water from Lake Kyoga to surrounding areas, a model that had already been successfully applied to provide water to Kampala.
In the area of social infrastructure, Museveni highlighted the NRM’s commitment to improving education and healthcare. He spoke of the ongoing construction of new schools and health centers to ensure that every parish and sub-county has access to quality services.
“Today, you have 98 government primary schools in Bukedea, and 9 secondary schools,” he said, emphasizing the NRM’s aim of ensuring that each sub-county has one government secondary school. He acknowledged that some sub-counties still lacked secondary schools but assured the crowd that work was ongoing, with new schools being built, including the Kabarwa and Bukedea Town secondary schools.
On healthcare, Museveni outlined plans to upgrade health centers, with specific emphasis on upgrading Aminit Health Center and constructing new ones in remote areas like Komuge, Aligoi, and Kowena. These efforts are aimed at ensuring equitable access to health services, especially in rural areas.
The Belt Road to Karamoja
The President concluded his remarks with a bold vision: a comprehensive road network connecting Teso with Karamoja and beyond.
He promised the completion of the road from Soroti to Abim, which will link Teso to Karamoja and the rest of the country, facilitating trade and fostering regional integration.
Museveni also spoke of the plan to enhance agricultural irrigation schemes in the region, particularly the Achomai Irrigation Scheme, which will prevent flooding and provide water for crops during the dry season.
He closed with a thought-provoking question for the people of Bukedea: “Do you sleep on the tarmac road at night?” The answer was clear: no, they sleep in their homes. His point was that infrastructure alone is not enough. What matters most is how it transforms lives. As the people of Teso wake up to better roads, electricity, water, and schools, they will have a bright future ahead.
“The road is not the destination — it’s the way to progress. And that progress will bring you closer to your dreams.”
