President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has ordered the Ministry of Works and Transport to urgently repair and maintain all marrum roads in the Karamoja sub-region, citing their deteriorating condition as a key obstacle to regional development and service delivery.
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate issued the directive while addressing a campaign rally in Moroto District, where he expressed disappointment over the poor state of key transport routes, particularly the Moroto–Kotido road.
He noted that the road becomes nearly impassable during heavy rains, severely disrupting trade, access to services, and movement within the sub-region.
“I have instructed the Ministry of Works to immediately fix these marrum roads. The Moroto–Kotido road and several others must be maintained regularly so that our people are not cut off during the rainy season,” President Museveni said.
The directive comes amid growing public outcry over neglected rural roads in Karamoja, where torrential rains frequently wash away bridges and create logistical challenges for residents and traders.
Kidepo International Airport to Boost Tourism and Trade
President Museveni further announced that plans for the construction of the Kidepo International Airport are underway, describing the project as a game-changer for Karamoja’s economy.
He said the airport will strengthen Uganda’s aviation network, promote tourism, and stimulate investment in the hospitality industry across the northeastern region.
“The Kidepo International Airport will not only open up Karamoja to tourists but also attract investors in hotels, transport, and other services. This is how we shall transform the economy of this region,” the President stated.
He explained that once complete, the airport will complement ongoing tourism infrastructure projects and enhance access to the Kidepo Valley National Park—one of Africa’s most scenic but remote wildlife sanctuaries.
Call for Unity and Rejection of Sectarian Politics
In his address, President Museveni appealed to the people of Moroto to uphold the NRM’s politics of unity and patriotism, warning against sectarian tendencies that have historically undermined Uganda’s progress.
“The NRM rejects politics of tribe, religion, and gender. It is through unity that we built peace, development, and strong institutions like the Army and Police,” he said.
He emphasized that Uganda’s stability and economic growth have been sustained because of the NRM’s consistent stand on national cohesion.
“Our unity is our strength. That is why Uganda continues to progress, while countries that embraced division have faced endless turmoil,” he added.
Expanding Education and Health Infrastructure
Highlighting government achievements and future plans, President Museveni unveiled a series of new social infrastructure projects aimed at transforming education and healthcare services in Moroto District.
He revealed that under the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers (UgIFT) and Uganda Secondary Education Expansion Project (USEEP), the government will construct three new secondary schools to improve access to education in underserved communities.
In the health sector, he announced a comprehensive upgrade of medical facilities to ensure that every sub-county has a functional health centre.
“The government is upgrading Acherer Health Centre II to a Health Centre III in Loputuk Sub-county, and constructing new Health Centre IIIs in Nadunget and Lotisan Sub-counties,” Museveni said.
He further revealed plans to elevate Nadunget Health Centre III to Health Centre IV and Rupa Health Centre II to Health Centre III.
“These improvements will help our people access quality health services without having to travel long distances,” he added.
Tackling Water Scarcity in Moroto
President Museveni also addressed the persistent water challenges in the sub-region, commending the ongoing government projects aimed at improving water supply for both domestic and livestock use.
He cited the desilting of Kobebe Earth Dam, which is crucial for livestock farming, and the construction of the 20-million-litre Nadipal Valley Tank and the 1.5-billion-litre Nakonyen Valley Dam, alongside several smaller valley tanks and wind-powered water systems.
“These are big investments to solve the water problem permanently. However, I have directed local authorities to find out where the gaps still exist and ensure all communities can access clean water,” Museveni said.
The projects are part of Uganda’s broader Water for Production programme, which seeks to enhance water storage and irrigation in semi-arid areas such as Karamoja.
Promoting Wealth Creation Through Government Programs
Turning to the economy, President Museveni urged residents to take full advantage of government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga programs to create wealth at the household level.
He revealed that Moroto District has so far received UGX 11.5 billion under the PDM, benefiting 11,699 households, in addition to UGX 2.9 billion in Emyooga funds distributed among 70 Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs).
“The PDM and Emyooga are not for consumption; they are for production. Use this money to invest in income-generating activities. That is how we shall build wealth,” he advised.
He also reminded residents to understand the difference between “development” and “wealth creation,” stressing that personal economic empowerment is key to sustaining national progress.
“Development is for everyone—it is public infrastructure like roads and schools. But wealth is personal; it starts in your home through enterprises like farming, trade, and industry,” Museveni explained.
Maama Janet Urges Moroto to Turn Out in Large Numbers
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, echoed the President’s message, urging the people of Moroto to vote overwhelmingly for President Museveni and all NRM flag bearers in the upcoming elections.
She said maintaining the NRM in power is vital for continued peace, stability, and the completion of major projects that have already begun transforming the sub-region.
“I want to thank you for supporting the NRM and for believing in the message of transformation. On voting day, come out in large numbers to vote for President Museveni and all our flag bearers so that this progress continues,” she said.
Maama Janet also encouraged the people of Karamoja to embrace education and modern farming practices, noting that the region’s future lies in the hands of empowered, skilled youth.
Karamoja on the Path to Transformation
President Museveni’s rally in Moroto reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive development and infrastructural renewal in one of Uganda’s historically marginalized regions.
Through the repair of key roads, construction of new schools and health facilities, and major water projects, Karamoja is steadily being integrated into Uganda’s broader economic growth framework.
As the 2026 elections draw closer, Museveni’s message to the people of Moroto was clear — peace, unity, and productivity remain the pillars upon which Karamoja’s transformation will continue to be built.
“Peace and development go hand in hand. Now that peace has returned, let us use it to create wealth, develop our communities, and build a prosperous Karamoja,” the President concluded.
