AMUDAT DISTRICT, Uganda — President Yoweri Museveni announced a new government initiative Tuesday to install individualized water systems for commercial farmers and small-scale producers, part of a broader strategy to combat poverty through wealth creation.
Speaking at a campaign rally at Kalas Girls Primary School in the Karamoja sub-region, Museveni said the plan aims to ensure every productive household has access to reliable water, marking a strategic shift in Uganda’s rural development.
“We are working out a plan for water for rural areas. Apart from the valley dams, people need water at each home,” Museveni said. “The communal water systems will not address their water problem. We are trying to analyze how we can provide individualized water for wealth creators.”
The policy is designed to end decades of reliance on shared water facilities in semi-arid regions like Karamoja, where boreholes and valley dams are often overstretched or dry up during droughts.
Museveni cited low water access rates, noting that only 18% of Amudat District’s 415 villages have access to safe water, leaving 81.7% without a clean source. Recent water projects include the completion of the Kosike Valley Dam, with a capacity of 2.7 billion liters, and the Kaechom Valley Dam, which holds 1.8 billion liters.
Peace as a Foundation
Museveni emphasized that peace, a key achievement of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), remains the cornerstone of Uganda’s development. He recounted the country’s turbulent past and the NRM’s efforts to restore stability and equitable representation since 1986.
He credited this peace to firm decisions, including the disarmament of Karamojong warriors in the early 2000s, dismissing arguments that communities should keep guns for self-defense.
“Some said if Karamojong and Turkana both stay with guns, they will stabilize by killing each other. But why have a government if people must protect themselves?” he asked.
Infrastructure and Development Pledges
On infrastructure, Museveni vowed to ensure all major roads in Karamoja remain passable year-round and announced the planned tarmacking of the Nakapiripirit-Amudat road.
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to universal education, with a goal of one primary school per parish and one secondary school per sub-county. He criticized the practice of charging fees in government schools and said he intends to abolish it.
In the health sector, the government plans to upgrade and construct several facilities in Amudat District, which currently has one Health Centre IV and three Health Centre IIIs, leaving seven sub-counties without any health facility.
Wealth Creation and Voter Appeal
Museveni urged residents to use government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) to lift themselves out of poverty. He showcased video testimonials of successful beneficiaries and pledged to provide vehicles to cooperatives to help farmers transport goods to markets.
He called on voters to support the NRM in the upcoming 2026 elections to protect these gains.
“If anybody asks you why you support NRM, tell them that in our manifesto of 2026–2031, peace is our first contribution. It is the foundation upon which everything else stands,” Museveni said.
First Lady Janet Museveni, also addressing the rally, commended the people of Karamoja for their support and called for a 100% vote for the NRM to continue the region’s development.
The event was also addressed by Speaker of Parliament Anita Among and other senior NRM officials.
