Teso to gain new roads and livestock under Museveni’s pledge
Soroti/Serere, Uganda – President Yoweri Museveni has reaffirmed peace and wealth creation as central pillars of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) manifesto during campaign rallies held on Monday in Serere and Soroti districts.
Addressing supporters in Serere District, the President said the area, once scarred by insurgencies led by Alice Lakwena and other rebel groups, now stands as a symbol of Uganda’s longest period of sustained peace.
“Your presence today is testimony that we defeated them. Serere, like the rest of Uganda, is now enjoying the longest period of peace in our history,” he said.
Museveni emphasised that peace remains the cornerstone of the NRM’s development agenda, highlighting it as the first point in the party’s manifesto. He urged residents to use the prevailing stability to build personal wealth and improve their livelihoods.
“While government builds roads, you cannot sleep on them. Use the peace and stability to create your own wealth so that development finds you,” he told the gathering.
Infrastructure commitments
The President announced plans to upgrade the Kumi–Nora–Serere–Kagwara Road (95km), along with selected town and access roads, to bituminous standard. He said government has secured funding for the project, adding that improved infrastructure would boost trade and mobility in the Teso subregion.
Focus on wealth creation
Museveni said the next phase of development in Teso will prioritise wealth creation through livestock restocking, particularly targeting families that lost animals during past conflicts and cattle rustling.
“Each household that lost animals will receive five cows. I have already discussed this with the leaders from Teso,” he announced, adding that the initiative is intended to rebuild the region’s economic base.
He stressed that while government is responsible for providing public goods such as roads, schools, and electricity, it is up to citizens to use the peace and infrastructure to generate wealth at household level.
“Development is ours, but wealth is yours. The NRM brings roads, electricity, schools, and peace, but it is you to use that peace to create wealth in your homes,” Museveni said.
Reflecting on peace and progress
Later in the day, the President addressed another rally at Soroti Sports Ground, where he echoed similar themes of peace and recovery. He reminded residents of the insecurity that once gripped the region due to rebel activity and cattle rustling.
“I remember when the people of Teso were living in camps because of insecurity and cattle rustling. Today, all that is history. We defeated the rebels and cattle rustlers, and our people are now settled peacefully in their homes,” Museveni told the crowd.
The rallies mark the continuation of Museveni’s regional engagements aimed at reinforcing the NRM’s campaign message of peace, stability, and socio-economic transformation.
Background
The Teso subregion in eastern Uganda endured years of insecurity during the 1980s and early 1990s, with widespread cattle loss and displacement of communities. The government’s ongoing efforts to restore livestock and improve infrastructure are seen as part of a broader strategy to revitalise rural economies and consolidate post-conflict recovery.
