Kole, Uganda: President Yoweri Museveni Thursday campaigned in Kole District, outlining the National Resistance Movement (NRM)’s key priorities ahead of the 2026 elections, with strong emphasis on wealth creation through fish farming, irrigation and cattle restocking.
Addressing residents, Museveni said the NRM’s 2026–2031 manifesto is anchored on seven core contributions, described as “bricks” in building Uganda, starting with peace as the most fundamental achievement.
He said Uganda’s past instability was rooted in divisive politics based on identity, religion and tribe, noting that the NRM’s focus on unity enabled the formation of a national party and strong institutions, including the army, police, judiciary and civil service.
“These institutions are the foundation of the peace and stability we enjoy today,” Museveni said.
The President identified development as the second major NRM contribution, citing investments in roads, electricity, schools and health facilities across the country, including the Lango sub-region. However, he cautioned that infrastructure alone is not enough if households remain poor.
“That is why we now emphasise wealth creation,” Museveni said, urging families to engage in income-generating activities that support household consumption and savings.
Fish farming, irrigation take centre stage
Museveni singled out fish farming as a major opportunity for communities in Kole, saying wetlands should be used productively without environmental destruction. He said a single acre of a fish pond can earn farmers up to Shs140 million annually, citing his own experience in Lango as proof that fish farming is viable.
According to the President, fish ponds also help retain water, which can later be used for irrigation to boost agricultural productivity. He said irrigation can dramatically increase yields, noting that irrigated banana plantations can produce up to ten times more than rain-fed gardens.
Museveni announced that government will support communities with fish farming equipment after the elections, provided residents continue backing the NRM.
Cattle restocking to resume in Lango
On livestock, Museveni said government plans to resume cattle restocking in Lango as part of its wealth creation strategy.
He explained that earlier restocking efforts were disrupted by legal challenges and inefficiencies associated with cash disbursement, prompting a revised approach. “We want to do it gradually, so that every household gets three to five cows,” Museveni said, adding that the money for the programme is available.
He added that implementation will be done in consultation with leaders from Lango and neighbouring sub-regions.
Local demands raised
Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second National Vice Chairperson Anita Annet Among relayed key concerns from residents, including the need for irrigation support, upgrading Aboke Health Centre IV into a district hospital, and construction of a technical institute in Adidom.
Earlier, NRM Vice Chairperson for Northern Region Hamson Obua welcomed the President to Kole, saying a vote for Museveni and the NRM was a vote for peace and continued development in Lango.
Museveni reaffirmed that the NRM remains committed to community enlightenment and empowering households to escape poverty through private sector-led wealth creation.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
