President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni last week held an extensive interaction with journalists from the Lango sub-region at Baralegi State Lodge, as his campaign trail progressed to the West Nile sub-region.
The engagement covered a wide range of national and regional issues, including the NRM’s record of service, Uganda’s long-term development vision, local concerns in Lango, and matters of national importance such as infrastructure and political succession.
President Museveni reaffirmed that the party remains the only political organization with a proven record of securing peace, fostering stability, and driving Uganda’s steady transformation. He pointed out the restoration of security as one of the Movement’s most significant achievements, citing the successful elimination of cattle rustling in Northern Uganda as a testament to effective governance and community protection.
The President also highlighted NRM’s success in expanding electricity access, telecommunications, and education services across the country, saying these form the backbone of sustainable development. “Job creation must be rooted in wealth creation,” Museveni emphasized. “You cannot focus on jobs before building a strong economic base.”
He noted that Uganda must look beyond its internal market by expanding regional and global trade links. “The internal market alone is not enough. Uganda must tap into external markets,” he said, attributing NRM’s success to its clear ideology and historic contribution to nation-building.
The President told journalists that Uganda has already attained middle-income status, with the country’s GDP projected to reach USD 66 billion by June 2026.
He revealed that the next phase of the NRM government aims to transform Uganda into a high middle-income economy, targeting a USD 500 billion GDP within five years. “We are now focusing on wealth creation through agriculture, artisanship, manufacturing, services, and ICT,” the President said.
Museveni added that the government will also prioritize strengthening economic ties with other African countries as part of advancing the East African Federation, a move he said will enhance regional prosperity and integration. “Under this plan, Uganda will be a modern and prosperous country in the near future,” he assured.
On regional matters, President Museveni identified subsistence farming and poor market-oriented planning as the two major challenges facing Lango. He advised households to move beyond farming for food only and instead focus on production for income.
“People should work for both food and money,” he said, urging families to adopt a balanced and planned model of agriculture.
He recommended the four-acre model, allocating one acre each to coffee, fruits, pasture, and food crops, supported by backyard poultry or piggery, and fish farming in wetlands where possible. Museveni encouraged farmers to remain resilient even when commodity prices fluctuate. “Price changes are normal,” he said. “Farmers should not stop production because global demand, especially for commodities like coffee, remains strong.”
On other national matters, the President addressed questions about governance and policy. Regarding the disqualification of Jimmy Akena, he explained that he had followed up on the issue and confirmed that the process was legal and not politically influenced.
When asked about succession, President Museveni emphasized that Uganda’s leadership transition is clearly defined by the Constitution. “The issue of leadership was resolved,” he said.
“With eight presidential candidates in the race, whoever wins through the democratic process will become president.”
On infrastructure, he noted that the Ministry of Works and Transport has taken charge of road maintenance across the country, but resource allocation must be guided by national priorities to ensure efficiency.
He also revealed plans to restock water bodies with indigenous fish species.
“We need to rely on the indigenous fish farmers. They should be identified and we support them,” Museveni said.
“We need to regulate the number of fishermen on the lake without damaging it,” he added.
