President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has vowed to address long-standing challenges affecting the Acholi sub-region, including compensation, education, livestock restocking, and human-wildlife conflict.
Speaking during a campaign rally in Anaka Town Council, President Museveni assured residents that his government remains committed to resolving issues faced by communities that were heavily impacted by past conflicts and development projects.
The President cited delays in compensation for residents displaced by the Karuma Hydropower Project, revealing that government had already paid UGX 11 billion, with UGX 48 billion still pending. He pledged to direct the Prime Minister to follow up and ensure all affected families receive full payment.
Museveni also addressed the growing problem of crop destruction by elephants in Nwoya and surrounding districts. He noted that despite the installation of electric fences, some elephants continue to breach barriers and destroy crops.
“I will instruct the Prime Minister to follow up on the compensation for all people whose crops were destroyed by elephants,” Museveni said, assuring residents of government intervention.
On education, Museveni reiterated his strong stance against charging fees in government schools, emphasizing that free education is a right, not a privilege. He condemned school heads and local leaders who continue to collect fees, saying they are denying children from poor families an opportunity for a better future.
“Those who block my policy of free education are like the kuzilinga—women who kill their children during birth. You are killing the future of our country by conserving ignorance,” he said.
The President lauded the Presidential Skilling Hubs for transforming lives, highlighting that many young people who had dropped out of school now produce high-quality shoes, garments, and furniture—items that were previously imported from abroad.
Addressing the restocking of livestock in post-conflict areas, Museveni explained that the program had faced legal and administrative delays, but a new consensus had been reached on fair implementation.
“We had challenges when some people went to court over the restocking program, turning it into a legal issue. But now, we have agreed that every homestead will receive a basic restocking package,” he said.
He added that the Acholi sub-region would receive special consideration due to the prolonged impact of the LRA insurgency and displacement.
“Acholi suffered longer and bore the brunt of the insurgency. We are studying how to provide an additional support mechanism alongside the general restocking program,” Museveni said.
The President further announced plans to establish a technical institute in Nwoya and upgrade Koch Goma Health Centre III to Health Centre IV to enhance health services.
He also commended Adogoraj Meri Laquara Mabel for donating land for the construction of an NRM office in the district, describing her gesture as patriotic and exemplary.
“These are the issues I wanted to share with you today education, restocking, and compensation. We are going to handle them one by one,” Museveni concluded.