Museveni Meets Leaders in Lira and Pallisa, Addresses Connectivity, Peace and Household Incomes

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Sunday met leaders from Lango and Bukedi, addressing issues of infrastructure, livelihoods and regional stability.

Focus on Connectivity in Lango

In Lira, the President met more than 15,000 NRM leaders from across the Lango Sub-region. The leaders raised concerns about poor connectivity, especially the eastern access route.

Museveni said it was illogical for travelers from areas like Namasale—just 80 miles from Kampala—to make long detours through Lira, Kamdini and Karuma.

“I told them I would study this matter because it makes no sense for someone from Namasale, only 80 miles from Kampala, to be forced to go around through Lira, Kamdini and Karuma. Balanced infrastructure remains central to our transformation journey,” the President said.

He highlighted road projects already undertaken through prioritisation, including the Soroti–Lira road, the Rwenkunyu–Masindi Port–Lira–Apac road, and the ongoing Bobi–Aboke works.

The leaders proposed the upgrading of the Dokolo–Bata–Abako–Aloe road, which they said would boost trade and regional access.

“We shall review these submissions,” Museveni assured.

Peace as the Foundation

Museveni reminded the Lango leaders of the region’s painful history under Amin, the 1979–1985 turmoil, the LRA insurgency, and cattle rustling.

“Lango knows the cost of insecurity. The peace we restored is the foundation of all progress, and those playing with it must be careful,” he warned.

He also said government is discussing ways to support NRM grassroots leaders, either through a limited salary structure or more sustainably through wealth-creation programmes such as Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) and the Parish Development Model (PDM).

Meeting Leaders in Pallisa

Later in the day, Museveni travelled to Pallisa, where he met district leaders and presented his seven focus points for socio-economic transformation.

He encouraged households to adopt the 4-acre model, combining dairy, fruit farming, food crops and one cash crop.

“This model will uplift household incomes if people embrace it,” he said.

Museveni thanked Rt. Hon. Anita Among for organising the engagement, saying it allowed him to interact directly with local leaders and the community.

He noted that government has handled nearly all major roads in Pallisa district:

“All roads in Pallisa, except two, have been handled, and one of the remaining roads is already funded.”

Museveni also reassured the region of continued government support for communities affected by the Lakwena and later insurgencies.

“We secured peace for this region and we shall continue supporting those affected,” he added.

The President concluded by thanking leaders in both regions for their commitment to national development.