President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, also the Presidential flag bearer for the National Resistance Movement (NRM), has announced that Pallisa and Butebo districts will be added to the government’s livestock restocking programme.
The President noted that these districts would join others in Teso, Lango, and Acholi, which had suffered massive losses of cattle during past wars and raids.
Each eligible household under the restocking programme will receive five cows.
The President made the announcement today while addressing thousands of residents during his presidential campaign rally in Butebo district.
He was accompanied by the First Daughter, Mrs. Natasha Karugire Museveni.
“I am here with other leaders of the NRM to present to you our manifesto for 2026–2031,” President Museveni said.
“Peace is key. Parts of Pallisa and Butebo were badly affected by cattle rustling. We will ensure the sub-counties that suffered are included in the restocking programme. This is the first contribution towards rebuilding your livestock.”
On development, President Museveni highlighted the need for improved road networks.
“I didn’t know that Butebo did not have a tarmac road. I thought the road from Pallisa to Kamonkoli passed through here. Now that I know it doesn’t, we shall work on the road connecting Pallisa, Butebo, and Nakaloke,” he said.
He also noted ongoing infrastructure projects: “The bridge at Nabukhaya, Nambola, Nametsimeri, Sahana, and Khamitsaru is under construction. The Nabumali-Butaleja-Namutumba road is funded and will be worked on, as well as the Tororo–Nagongera–Busolwe road.”
President Museveni commended local leaders for maintaining the marram roads, noting, “I landed by helicopter and traveled on very good roads. This shows the people of Butebo are serious about development. In other districts, they just eat the money.”
He further pledged upgrades on sub-county headquarters and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to connect all districts with tarmac roads.
The President also praised Butebo’s water coverage.
“Out of 268 villages, 233 have access to safe water—87%. We shall expand piped water systems in Petete and Nasurete, and complete water-for-production projects like the Manyowe Solar-Powered Irrigation Scheme. Feasibility studies are ongoing for the Kabelai Surface Water Reservoir and the Akisim Medium-Scale Irrigation Scheme to serve Butebo, Pallisa, and Kumi.”
President Museveni confirmed plans to upgrade several health centers and construct new ones across sub-counties.
“The aim is to have at least one HCIII per sub-county,” he said.
The President expressed satisfaction with Butebo’s progress in the education sector.
“Butebo already has five government secondary schools. This is remarkable, considering that in 1961, Uganda had only a handful of A-level schools,” he noted.
President Museveni concluded by urging residents to embrace development opportunities, maintain peace, and continue supporting the NRM government’s initiatives for the prosperity of their communities.
He also handed over the NRM flags to aspiring Members of Parliament, LC V chairperson, councillors, and other party candidates in Butebo District, formally endorsing their participation in the upcoming elections.
The Speaker of Parliament, also NRM Second National Vice Chairperson, Rt. Hon. Anita Among emphasized development needs in the district, noting, “Because Butebo is now a district, it should have a tarmac road. We thank the NRM government for bringing peace, schools, hospitals, and roads. The Parish Development Model has enabled money to circulate in the community, and after five years, we shall be prosperous.”
Butebo District has 61 parishes, with 18,516 households benefiting from the PDM funds, amounting to Shs.18.5 billion. The district also hosts 18 Emyooga SACCOs, which have received Shs.980 million in government support.
Dr. Monica Musenero, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, also NRM Chairperson for Butebo, welcomed the President, describing the visit as historic.
“This is the first time the President has campaigned here since Butebo became a district. Our people are ready to support you,” she said.
The event was attended by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, as well as thousands of supporters.
