Dokolo – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the ruling NRM’s presidential flagbearer in the 2026 elections, has intensified his campaign in the Lango sub-region, calling on Ugandans to embrace commercial farming and wealth creation as the foundation for sustainable prosperity.
Addressing thousands of supporters at Dokolo Technical School grounds on Wednesday, October 1, Mr Museveni warned against subsistence farming, which he said has kept households in poverty despite national economic growth.
“The problem we have had since 2013 is that 68 percent of Ugandans were only working for the stomach,” Mr Museveni said, drawing cheers from the crowd. “If you only work for the stomach, where do you get money to buy clothes and do other things?”
The President outlined testimonies from local farmers who have utilized the Parish Development Model (PDM) funds to transition into commercial agriculture. He highlighted stories such as that of Okello from Amolatar and Apio from Dokolo, both of whom transformed their livelihoods through investments in farming.
“These are examples that wealth begins at the homestead. Even without tarmac roads, families can become rich if they use government programmes well,” he added.
PDM at the Centre of Campaign Message
Mr Museveni devoted a significant part of his address to explaining the PDM, which provides UGX 100 million per parish annually to support household enterprises. He pledged an increment of UGX 15 million per parish in his next term, specifically to benefit local leaders.
He further cautioned communities against mismanagement of the funds, saying, “Don’t let anyone play around with this PDM money. If anybody tries to, expose them and we arrest them.”
Infrastructure, Education and Health
The President reminded Lango residents of NRM’s track record, pointing to electricity extension, growth in telecommunication, and expansion of schools compared to the 1960s. He also pledged to upgrade key road projects, including the Lango–Namasale and Lira–Barlege roads.
On health, Mr Museveni admitted persistent challenges such as drug theft but called for community vigilance. “If I get my people of God to monitor, we can stop drug theft,” he said.
Cattle Compensation Promise
The President also addressed the long-standing cattle compensation issue in northern Uganda, promising to roll out the government plan of providing five cows per affected household. “We may not do it in one year, but we shall cover everybody with time,” he assured.
Local Support and Defections
During the rally, Mr Museveni handed NRM party flags to parliamentary flagbearers and welcomed defectors from opposition parties. Dokolo NRM chairperson Mr Geoffrey Opio Ekong pledged to deliver “up to 100 percent” of the district’s votes for Mr Museveni.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among and Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua also rallied support, citing peace, infrastructure, and wealth creation as the NRM’s core achievements in Lango.
The President is expected to continue his campaign in Otuke and Alebtong districts before wrapping up his tour of the nine districts and Lira City in the sub-region later this week.
