Lira, Uganda | President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has unveiled a five-point strategy aimed at accelerating household wealth creation, warning that individuals who mismanage funds under the Parish Development Model (PDM) risk imprisonment.
Speaking at a victory thanksgiving ceremony at Lango College on Saturday, the President underscored the importance of national unity, which he described as a divine foundation for sustainable development. He stressed that government interventions must directly transform livelihoods at the household level, urging leaders to identify and support specific beneficiaries rather than relying on general reporting.
Museveni noted that Uganda is now in the fifth year of PDM implementation, with each parish having received Shs500 million and directed leaders to ensure that all eligible households benefit from the programme.
The President outlined key drivers of economic transformation, including effective implementation of PDM, provision of agricultural inputs such as seedlings, restocking programmes, construction of all-weather roads, and strict enforcement against corruption.
He cautioned that no deductions should be made from PDM funds and warned that offenders would face arrest and prosecution, potentially ending up in Luzira Prison.
As part of efforts to strengthen agricultural productivity, Museveni announced plans to distribute free coffee and fruit seedlings, with multiplication to be supported on his land in Bar-Alegi.
He added that the government would intensify restocking initiatives across Northern Uganda to rebuild livestock ownership and improve household incomes, alongside continued support under Emyooga.
The President highlighted the role of infrastructure in economic growth, emphasizing the need for all-weather roads to facilitate access to markets. He also pointed to opportunities within the East African Community Common Market, which offers expanded access to regional consumers.
He observed that improved household incomes would make it easier for the government to deliver essential services such as healthcare, education, electricity, and water.
Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua described the President’s visit as both a thanksgiving to God and an expression of gratitude to the people of Lango for their overwhelming electoral support.
He revealed that the subregion delivered 538,044 votes, representing 84.48% in the 2026 presidential election, marking what he termed a historic peak and a significant political shift toward the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Obua detailed a long-term upward trend in NRM support in Lango, noting that the subregion registered 61,608 votes (17.3%) in 1996, rising to 76,929 votes (20.7%) in 2001, before dropping to 45,012 votes (13.3%) in 2006. He explained that support later rebounded sharply to 243,725 votes (56.4%) in 2011, followed by 291,295 votes (about 50.7%) in 2016, 387,939 votes (65.7%) in 2021, and eventually peaking at 538,044 votes (84.48%) in 2026.
He said the trajectory demonstrated a sustained political transformation driven by peace, mobilisation, and development gains.
Obua also said that he had presented a 10-point regional development framework dubbed “Miti A’Lango” and appealed for additional government support to accident victims, including those undergoing treatment at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
Director of External Security Organisation Ambassador Joseph Ocwet linked the region’s current political support to decades of restored stability.
He noted that the National Resistance Movement’s takeover on January 26, 1986, marked a turning point in Uganda’s history by restoring peace after years of instability. However, he explained that Lango and the wider northern region continued to experience conflict and displacement due to insurgencies, including the Lord’s Resistance Army and the Holy Spirit Movement.
Ocwet added that these conflicts delayed development and shaped negative perceptions at the time, but said the situation has since improved significantly due to enhanced security, infrastructure, and service delivery, which he credited for the overwhelming electoral support.
Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero commended the president for sustaining peace and driving development, noting that the strong vote from Lango reflects growing public confidence in government programmes.
She highlighted improvements in healthcare services at Lira Regional Referral Hospital and ongoing infrastructure projects like Akii-Bua Stadium, while calling for additional investments including an airport in Anai – Lira City, an industrial park in Aler – Ngetta, and increased supply of coffee seedlings.
Senior Presidential Advisor on Lango Affairs Sam Engola attributed the electoral victory to sustained grassroots mobilisation efforts involving leaders and community structures across the subregion.
Museveni expressed appreciation to the people of Lango for their support and indicated that he would return for a larger celebration, noting that the current visit marked the beginning of continued engagement with the region.
The thanksgiving ceremony, organised at the invitation of Ambassador Joseph Ocwet, attracted thousands of supporters and underscored Lango’s growing political and economic significance.
