Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party presidential candidate has blamed the poor road network in Teso on the Ministry of Works and Transport and the Ministry of Local Government. He made the remarks while campaigning in Kapelebyong, Kaberemaido, and Kalaki districts.
Museveni criticized the ministries for negligence and corruption, which he said have left roads that should serve communities in a poor state. He accused the officials of mismanaging funds meant for road development, noting that money allocated to districts is often diverted or misused. “These people only bring the graders to clear the bushes and leave the roads in a poor state,” Museveni said.
Museveni said the government allocates 1.3 billion shillings annually to each district, but the roads in Teso remain substandard, indicating that the funds are not being properly utilized. He outlined government plans to improve infrastructure, including tarmacking the Soroti–Amuria–Obalanga–Acanipi–Kotido road and the Katine–Kalaki–Kaberemaido road, and emphasized that peace in Teso should now allow other socio-economic developments.
Museveni highlighted his government’s efforts over the last forty years to restore peace and stability in the country, citing Teso as a key example. He recalled the unrest caused by rebels and Karimojong cattle raids, noting that since 2007, the NRM has successfully disarmed cattle rustlers and enabled residents to engage in agriculture and other activities to combat food insecurity.
On education, Museveni promised to establish one government primary school per parish and one secondary school per district to improve access to learning. David Calvin Echodu, NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, said the President’s visit aimed to consolidate the party’s achievements in the region and address critical development issues, including cattle compensation, restocking, and infrastructure.
Echodu told Museveni that residents in Kalaki and Kaberemaido face challenges from the poor road network, despite the President’s promise to tarmac the Kalaki–Katine road. He stressed that cattle compensation and restocking remain top concerns for local communities.
Many residents have suffered economic losses due to past insurgencies and cattle rustling. Echodu said addressing these issues would not only restore income sources but also reaffirm the NRM government’s commitment to Teso, as cattle are a symbol of identity and pride for the Iteso people.
***URN***