President Museveni has reaffirmed his commitment to resolving long-standing issues affecting the people of Acholi, including delayed compensation, education challenges, livestock restocking, and human-wildlife conflict.
While addressing supporters during a campaign rally in Anaka Town Council, the President said his government is determined to tackle the concerns of communities that were severely impacted by past conflicts and major infrastructure projects.
Museveni noted that compensation for residents displaced by the Karuma Hydropower Project had already commenced, with UGX 11 billion paid out and UGX 48 billion still pending. He promised to task the Prime Minister with ensuring that all affected families receive their full entitlements.
The President also turned his attention to the recurring issue of crop destruction by elephants, which continues to trouble farmers in Nwoya District and neighboring areas. He expressed concern that some elephants still breach the electric fences meant to protect communities but assured residents of government action.
“I will instruct the Prime Minister to follow up on the compensation for all people whose crops were destroyed by elephants,” Museveni said.
On education, the President reiterated his position that no learner should be charged in government schools, stressing that free education is a right, not a privilege. He criticized local officials and school administrators who demand fees, warning that such practices deprive children of their 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,” Museveni said, after interacting with youth who had dropped out of school but later acquired vocational skills through the Presidential Skilling Hubs.
Museveni commended the skilling programs for empowering young people, noting that many now produce high-quality shoes, garments, and furniture that were once imported from abroad.
Addressing the restocking program for post-conflict communities, the President said the initiative had faced delays due to legal disputes but that progress was now being made toward 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 explained that leaders from Teso, Lango, and Acholi sub-regions had agreed on a fair formula for distributing livestock. However, Museveni acknowledged that Acholi needed special consideration, given the extent of suffering during the LRA insurgency.
“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,” the President explained.
Museveni also announced plans to upgrade Koch Goma Health Centre III to a Health Centre IV and to establish a technical institute in the area to improve access to education and health services.
He further praised Adogoraj Meri Laquara Mabel for donating land for the NRM office, describing her gesture as a demonstration of patriotism and selflessness.
“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 said.