Museveni Urges Arua, Madi Okollo to Embrace Wealth Creation

ARUA: The NRM presidential candidate for 2026, President Yoweri Museveni, has urged residents of Arua City and Arua District to embrace wealth creation initiatives instead of relying on limited government jobs. 

Speaking during his campaign rallies in Madi Okollo and Arua City on Monday, the President highlighted the scarcity of government employment opportunities compared to the growing number of graduates seeking jobs.

Museveni emphasized that the government has introduced programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and NUSAF to combat poverty at the community level. 

“When you return home, you’ll find the same poverty waiting for you, saying, ‘Welcome back, I’m still here.’ That’s why the NRM government has always distinguished between development and wealth. Development benefits us all, but wealth is personal—for individuals, families, or businesses. That’s why we’ve introduced programs like PDM,” he said.

He added, “Without income, you create problems not only for your family but also for the nation. The government relies on taxes from what people purchase. If you have no money, you contribute neither to your family nor the country. I urge everyone to actively participate in wealth creation and support NRM to continue the fight against poverty.”

In Madi Okollo, Museveni noted that all 223 villages now have access to safe water. The government is also enhancing water capacity for production through solar-powered irrigation in Aliboro, an earth dam in Yachi, and a communal valley tank in Peera. 

He stressed that these efforts, combined with peace and security, form a solid foundation for development. 

“These developments are deliberate, guided by principles of patriotism, Pan-Africanism, democracy, and socio-economic transformation,” he said.

Boniface Alioni, speaking on the political status of Arua District, appealed to the President to establish skilling centers to train youth for self-employment. 

“Thank you for the industrial hub in Zombo, but it’s far and serves only a limited number of youths. Your Excellency, the people of Arua District are requesting a technical school,” he said.

The Minister of State for Investment, Hon. Evelyn Anite, assured West Nile residents that the government is working to attract investors to create jobs for youth. 

“We have gazetted industrial parks in Nebbi (600 acres), Yumbe (1,200 acres), and Koboko (150 acres). Feasibility studies are complete, and we’re now focused on attracting investors. President Museveni has already secured investors for the Nebbi Industrial Park, and we aim to bring more to create jobs for our youth,” she said.

Jackson Atima Lee Buti, Arua Central’s Member of Parliament, highlighted that West Nile has lagged behind for over a century due to unreliable electricity. 

“With stable electricity now available, establishing industries will significantly boost the region’s economy,” Atima, also the NRM Parliamentary flag bearer for Arua Central Division said. 

He also urged the President to upgrade Arua Airfield to an international airport to enhance regional trade. 

“An upgraded airfield will facilitate cargo movement to neighboring countries like DR Congo, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic, elevating the region’s development to match other areas,” he added.

Bakoko Zoa Bakoru, the former Minister for Labour, Gender, and Social Development, requested the creation of additional administrative units to improve service delivery in Arua City. 

“When the city was created, seven sub-counties in Ayivu were merged into one division, constraining service delivery. We also ask that Arua Referral Hospital be upgraded to a national referral hospital and that three more divisions be created for effective service access,” she said.

President Museveni assured the residents that he would address the issues raised. He is scheduled to hold rallies in Maracha and Koboko districts on Tuesday.