By Nathan Eyagu 

KABERAMAIDO — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged the people of Teso Sub-region to embrace agriculture as a pathway to self-reliance and sustainable development.

The President made the call on Friday while addressing a rally at Kaburepoli Primary School in Kaberamaido District, accompanied by the First Lady, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, senior NRM leaders from the region and across the country.

Mr. Museveni commended residents for supporting government programs and encouraged them to engage in productive ventures such as poultry, piggery, and dairy farming, which he said are vital in boosting household incomes.

“You have land, peace, and government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga. Use them to create income and transform your homes,” he said.

The President reflected on the region’s past insecurity, recalling how rebel activities once disrupted communities in Kaberamaido.

“This area once faced insecurity when rebels used to kidnap our children from schools like Lwala Girls School,” Mr. Museveni said. “That dark chapter ended long ago after the NRM restored peace across the entire country.”

He urged residents to use the prevailing peace to build stronger, self-sustaining households through agriculture and entrepreneurship.

President Museveni highlighted major development strides in the region, including ongoing road and water projects.

“On development (Dongolobo), we are bringing the tarmac closer with the Katine–Kaberamaido Road, stretching 73.5 kilometres. The funds are already available, and government is in the process of securing a contractor,” he said.

He further noted that 91 percent of the 234 villages in Kaberamaido now have boreholes, translating to 217 villages with access to clean water, and pledged to extend coverage to the remaining 17 villages.

Mr. Museveni also pointed to the soon-to-be-commissioned Buyende–Kagwara–Kaberamaido ferry, which will enhance trade and connectivity in the region.

The President reiterated the government’s commitment to improving social services. Kaberamaido District currently has 45 government-aided primary schools and six secondary schools, and efforts are ongoing to expand access to quality education.

In the health sector, he announced plans to upgrade Health Centre IIs to IIIs and construct additional facilities to improve healthcare delivery in the district.

Mr. Museveni cited success stories such as Ijala, a farmer from Serere District, who put his knowledge into action to establish a profitable enterprise using funds from the PDM.

“When you follow my advice and use government programs properly, you can achieve financial stability. Ijala and others are proof that self-reliance through agriculture is possible,” he said.

The President emphasized that the government will continue to create an enabling environment for development but urged citizens to take personal responsibility for their progress.

“The NRM has brought peace, infrastructure, and development programs. It is now your duty to work hard, produce, and generate income for your families,” he said.

President Museveni will continue his tour of the Teso Sub-region on Saturday with rallies in Katakwi and Amuria Districts, as he rallies support for the NRM’s ongoing transformation agenda.