NAKAPIRIPIRIT, Uganda — President Yoweri Museveni on Tuesday praised the significant improvement in water access across Nakapiripirit District, citing it as evidence that his party’s long-term infrastructure investments are transforming the Karamoja subregion.
Speaking at a campaign rally at Namboole II Grounds, Museveni said he was impressed that 82% of villages in the district now have access to safe water, one of the highest coverage rates in the area.
“I was looking at water coverage, and I’m happy to see that Nakapiripirit is doing well,” said Museveni, who was accompanied by First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Kataaha Museveni. “Out of 209 villages, 172 have access to water. This 82% is very good. Some districts like Amudat and Abim are still lower, but we shall study why and address it.”
He said the progress reflects the government’s deliberate effort to provide economic and social infrastructure to all corners of Uganda, including previously marginalized regions.
The president highlighted several completed projects under the government’s Water for Production initiative, including the 40-million-litre Aooyalet Valley Tank in Loregae Sub-County and the 20-million-litre Komaret Valley Tank in Moruita. He said four additional valley tanks and a wind-powered abstraction system have also been finished.
Looking ahead, Museveni said the government is finalizing plans for the Namalu Large Scale Irrigation Scheme, which will store 11.8 billion litres of water and irrigate up to 750 hectares in its first phase.
“These are the kinds of interventions that ensure water is not just for drinking but for production to support farming and livestock,” he said.
Museveni emphasized that his party’s development philosophy is based on building infrastructure to create wealth. He noted that Nakapiripirit has benefited from new roads, electricity and telecommunication networks.
Key completed road projects include the Namalu–Nakapiripirit (17 km) and Akisim–Moroto–Lokitanyala (92 km) roads, with the upgrade of the Muyembe–Nakapiripirit (92 km) road ongoing.
“These roads are not just for decoration; they are for movement of goods, services and people. They are the arteries of the economy,” he said.
On social services, the president highlighted the construction of schools and health centers. He said Nakapiripirit currently has 27 government primary schools and seven government secondary schools, while the Ministry of Health is upgrading several facilities to higher-level health centers.
Turning to household income, Museveni urged residents to embrace commercial agriculture and enterprise development, stating that wealth creation must begin at the homestead. He cited State Minister for Transport Fred Byamukama, who he said earns over 55 million Ugandan shillings monthly from poultry, as proof that agriculture can be highly profitable.
“Please listen carefully to the NRM message. Plan number one is commercial agriculture. From there, we go to manufacturing and then services, including digital. These are the pillars that will transform Uganda,” he said.
He also praised the impact of the Presidential Zonal Industrial Hubs, where youth learn practical skills. Gloria Nayol, a beneficiary from the Napak Industrial Hub, shared how a tailoring course enabled her to start a business with friends, later receiving 50 million shillings through a graduate savings group to expand.
First Lady Janet Museveni described her visit as a “homecoming,” expressing gratitude for the warmth of the Karamoja people. She said the region’s transformation from insecurity and hunger to stability reflects God’s grace and the NRM’s commitment to inclusive development.
“The new generation of Karamoja must live in better houses, have better food and livelihoods,” she said. “Karamoja has always been a blessing to me. God bless Karamoja, and God bless Uganda.”
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among commended the government for improving social services, praising the district’s new mobile laboratory and modern emergency units at Moroto Hospital as life-saving facilities.
Nakapiripirit NRM Chairperson Lochap Daniel Matovu said residents remain firmly behind President Museveni, citing the district’s 94.8% support in the 2021 elections. He said the district’s progress in education, health, water and roads is visible and unmatched.
According to district data, Nakapiripirit has a population of 111,681 people. Through the Parish Development Model, the district has received 10.5 billion shillings, benefiting over 10,300 households. Under the Emyooga program, 35 savings groups with 8,635 members have received 1.78 billion shillings to support small enterprises.
Concluding the rally, Museveni urged people to stay the course with the NRM, assuring them the government would continue expanding infrastructure and wealth creation programs.
The campaign event was attended by NRM Central Executive Committee members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, and thousands of supporters. The campaign is running under the theme: “Securing Uganda’s Future.”
