Kapelebyong, Uganda | Th President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has ordered investigations into the alleged misuse of road maintenance funds by district officials, emphasizing that corruption should not obstruct development in Teso.
Speaking at his first campaign rally on the 30th October, 2025 in the sub-region, held at St. Francis Acumet Playground in Kapelebyong, Museveni, accompanied by Mama Janet Museveni, said the NRM government allocates Shs 1 billion to every district annually for road maintenance, but some officials fail to use the money properly, leaving roads impassable.
He warned that those found mismanaging funds would be held accountable, stressing that good roads are critical for economic activity and social services.
The President highlighted the achievements of the NRM government in restoring peace and stability in Teso, recalling the turbulent years when cattle rustlers, rebels, and internal displacement plagued the region.
He noted that areas like Achowa were once abandoned by displaced persons, but since 2007, government efforts have brought lasting peace, disarmed cattle rustlers, and secured Karamoja.
Museveni said that peace is now permanent and forms the foundation for all development in the region.
Museveni detailed infrastructure progress, including the tarmacking of Soroti–Moroto, Soroti–Katine, Dokolo–Lira–Kamdini, and Mbale–Tirinyi–Kumi roads, and announced plans to upgrade the Soroti–Amuria–Obalanga–Achanpi–Otuke–Abim road.
He said these projects are crucial for improving connectivity, trade, and access to social services.
On education, the President said Teso has made notable strides.
He explained that in the past, even prominent schools like Teso College, Sir Samuel Baker, and Mwiri only offered O’Level education.
Today, Kapelebyong alone has ten secondary schools, and the government plans to ensure one primary school per parish and one secondary school per sub-county, while also promoting free education to reduce school dropouts.
Addressing past conflicts, Museveni acknowledged that Teso, Lango, and Acholi were heavily affected by war, and government had allocated Shs 159 billion for cattle compensation.
He admitted that implementation challenges have occurred and said he is working with regional leaders to develop a fair compensation mechanism, ensuring that each household receives five cows.
The President also defended his appointment of several Itesots to government positions, saying they were selected based on merit and competence, not regional favoritism.
Local leaders, led by Akorikin Francis, the NRM flagbearer for Kapelebyong County, thanked the President for his continued support to the region.
They called for the upgrade of Kapelebyong Health Centre IV to a district hospital, the creation of Achowa County, and more appointments of local leaders to senior government positions such as ministers and RDCs.
The leaders pledged that Kapelebyong would deliver 95% of the votes to President Museveni in the 2026 elections.
Kapelebyong was the first stop on Museveni’s Teso campaign trail, which will continue in Kalaki and Kaberamaido districts as the President mobilizes support ahead of the 2026 general elections.
