“The Opposition Should Join Us In NRM Because We Have The Medicine For Uganda’s Problems” Museveni Reveals During The Dokolo by-election Campaigns

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, also the National Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), urged the residents of Dokolo District to align with and endorse the ruling party, citing its effective solutions to Ugandan challenges.

“I hear in Dokolo there are people who are UPC and don’t want to work with NRM or join NRM, why don’t you join the medicine that seems to have worked? There was a patient called Uganda, the other medicines applied on him did not work, this one for NRM, seems to have worked,” he said.

Addressing the crowd at Atabu Primary School Playground in Dokolo during the campaign for the NRM flag bearer, Ms. Janet Adongo Rose Elau, President Museveni emphasized the party’s track record of delivering results. The by-election for the Dokolo District Woman Parliamentary Seat is scheduled for March 21, 2024.The seat became vacant following the passing of Hon. Cecilia Atim Ogwal on January 18, 2024, in India, prompting the need for a replacement.

Reflecting on Uganda’s political landscape, President Museveni wondered why some Ugandans continue to embrace the “wrong medicine” which killed the patient in the past, explaining that he finds such a decision as lack of seriousness and dishonesty.

“The man was down and couldn’t get off his bed, but he is walking now and he seems to be even running. Why don’t you say that this medicine seems to be working but you say no, I will continue with the medicine which killed the other patient in the past. Then you even bring a new one which has never even been tried anywhere called FDC,” he stressed.

He emphasized the importance of prioritizing the common good over divisive identities, urging voters to elect leaders committed to service and accountability.President Museveni emphasized that political party names hold little significance compared to addressing the collective needs of the people. He cautioned against prioritizing individuals over addressing societal challenges, stressing the importance of focusing on solutions rather than personalities.

Highlighting the NRM’s mission of socio-economic transformation in Uganda, President Museveni underscored the significant progress made in Dokolo, including the establishment of numerous government schools and infrastructure development projects. He cited examples of past educational disparities and highlighted the government’s commitment to bridging these gaps through investment in education and infrastructure.

Furthermore, President Museveni urged the residents of Dokolo to prioritize the politics of interest over identity politics, which he believes hinder national development. Reflecting on his own political journey and experiences with sectarianism, he advocated for a shift towards a politics centered on addressing people’s needs rather than their identities.

President Museveni highlighted the NRM government’s commitment to socio-economic transformation through infrastructure development and service provision, citing the significant expansion of educational facilities in Dokolo and across Uganda.Furthermore, he urged the adoption of a diversified commercial agriculture model to uplift communities economically, emphasizing the government’s support through initiatives like the Parish Development Model.

“In Dokolo alone, there are now 10 or 13 government secondary schools. You have heard that I have been here for a long time. In 1962, when we got independence, there was no single government secondary school or even a single secondary school in Lango. The only secondary school in the North was Sir Samuel Baker and it was not even an A’ level school. There were only five A’ level schools in Uganda; Buddo, Kisubi, Ntare, Gayaza and Namagunga. In Lango, Lango College came after Independence but now you hear that in Dokolo alone, there are 10 government Secondary Schools and 60 government primary schools,” he said.

“The roads, from Soroti to Lira we tarmacked it and now we are doing it again and we have got plans for other roads like Dokolo- Amolatar- Namasale; that one we are planning to tarmac it, among other roads. If NRM can build 10 secondary schools in Dokolo only without talking about the other parts of Lango, when at Independence there were no single secondary school in the whole of Lango, why do you doubt its capacity to do even the other work that is yet to be done? If we did the 10, we can do the 20, we can do the others.”

Addressing concerns of personal expenditure by leaders, President Museveni advised against such practices, advocating for adherence to government plans and programs to ensure effective resource allocation.

On the issue of wealth creation, President Museveni urged the people of Dokolo to embrace the four-acre model type of commercial agriculture to help themselves move out of poverty. He advised that through the Parish Development Model, they will be able to secure funds to help them carry out the project.

“In the first acre grow coffee, the second acre put fruits especially mangoes, oranges and so on, acre number three grow pasture for the milk cows, acre number four put food crops like cassava. Then if you are near the wetland, do fish farming, in the backyard put poultry farming and piggery if you are not a Muslim. These are the seven activities I recommended. It is in writing and where people have done it are doing very well.” Museveni Noted

The rallies also saw the participation of NRM officials and government representatives, including the Government Chief Whip, Minister of Health, and Minister of State for Economic Monitoring, among others, showcasing the party’s concerted effort towards community engagement and mobilization.