President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today addressed a rally at Apac Booma Grounds, where he traced the history of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), outlined the progress made under his government, and called on Ugandans to embrace household wealth creation as the next phase of national transformation.
The President said what is now known as the NRM has been active in Uganda for more than six decades, beginning with youth involvement in the Democratic Party, UPC, and Kabaka Yekka, before forming independent study groups in the 1960s.
When the country descended into instability under Idi Amin, he noted, they took up arms as FRONASA to fight for liberation. He said the party’s contribution over the years has been grounded on nine guiding points, but he emphasized three central pillars at the Apac rally: peace, development, and wealth.
On peace, President Museveni reminded Ugandans that the country had once been ungovernable due to sectarian politics of tribe, religion, and gender discrimination. He said the NRM rejected those divisions and instead built politics of unity, patriotism, and inclusivity.
This, he explained, is why the NRM is firmly rooted across the country and why Uganda today enjoys a strong national army recruited from all regions.
The second pillar he highlighted was development, which he said rests on both economic infrastructure—such as roads, electricity, water, and communications—and social infrastructure, including schools and health centers.
He pointed to the expansion of roads, electrification of previously remote areas, and the growth of secondary schools and
health facilities in Lango as evidence of NRM’s commitment to equal development.
He pledged that the government will continue to upgrade health centers and extend services to areas still underserved. He added that Uganda’s oil, expected to begin flowing soon, will provide additional resources to accelerate infrastructure investment across the country.
The third pillar, he said, is wealth creation at the household level. He stressed that while roads and schools are important, they are shared by all, yet poverty remains personal.
“At night you don’t sleep on the road, you sleep in your house, and poverty will be waiting for you there,” he said.
The President urged citizens to embrace initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), which sends Shs 100 million annually to each parish.
He cited success stories like Apio from Lira, who transformed a one- million-shilling loan into a thriving farming venture, and Rose Akoi from Kole, who invested in livestock and expanded her income.
President Museveni said such examples show that the PDM can lift households out of poverty if funds are used wisely.
He also announced new proposals in the NRM manifesto, including additional funds for parish leaders, a dedicated fund for unemployed university graduates, and support to religious and cultural leaders through SACCOs.
“Life is not a game where some are players and others are spectators. Everyone must be a wealth creator,” he emphasized.
President Museveni concluded by appealing to the people of Apac to vote for the NRM and all its flag bearers.
“Vote for the old man with a hat,” he said, assuring them that the next phase of NRM leadership will focus on sustaining peace, deepening development, and ensuring that every household participates in wealth creation.
The Vice President, H.E Jessica Alupo echoed the call for wealth creation, urging residents to fully utilize government programs such as PDM and Emyooga.
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Among hailed the President for transforming Apac and pledged her support for a Skilling Hub in the district to empower the youth.
The Government Chief Whip Hon. Hamson Obua affirmed that the people of Apac have endorsed President Museveni as the NRM candidate in the forthcoming election, citing his track record of peace, unity, and development.