By Nathan Eyagu 

Ngora District — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has announced that the long-awaited Kumi–Ngora–Serere Road project has been fully funded, with implementation set to begin soon once a contractor is identified. The President made the remarks while addressing thousands of residents at a campaign rally held at Ngora BKC Demonstration Primary School in Ngora District.

President Museveni assured the people of Teso that the government remains committed to improving road infrastructure as a key driver of economic transformation and regional connectivity.

“Funds for the Kumi–Ngora–Serere Road are already available. What remains now is to identify a competent company to undertake the construction,” President Museveni said. “This road will be a major economic catalyst for the sub-region, linking farmers, traders, and service providers to wider markets.”

The announcement was met with cheers from residents, who have long awaited the road’s rehabilitation to ease transport challenges and spur development in the greater Teso sub-region.

During the same event, Okello John Michael, the Kumi District NRM Chairman, presented a memo on behalf of the district leadership and the people of Kumi, expressing appreciation for the President’s continued focus on grassroots development.

He praised the government’s success in implementing key programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, Youth Livelihood Program (YLP), and Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Program (UWEP).

“Your visionary leadership has ensured peace, stability, and progress in our communities,” said Okello. “The PDM has transformed many households, and our prayer is to see its funding doubled to meet the needs of our growing urban centers.”

The Chairman also thanked the President for approving the Kumi–Ngora–Serere Road project and appealed for expedited implementation to unlock new economic opportunities in the region.

In the memo presented to the President, local leaders outlined several priority requests, including:

Establishment of a government-aided technical school in Ngora District.

Upgrading Ngora Health Centre IV to a district hospital.

Expansion of rural electrification to Kapir, Morukakisa, Mokura, and Mukura sub-counties.

Improved access to clean and safe water, including construction of valley dams for livestock farmers.

Upgrading Mukura Town Council to municipality status and constructing a modern market to support vendors.

Okello also gave a brief overview of Ngora District’s profile, noting that it was carved out of Kumi in 2010 and currently has an estimated population of 172,000 people, including 72,976 registered voters, across Ngora and Kapir Counties.

President Museveni reaffirmed his government’s commitment to improving social services and infrastructure in Teso. He noted that several sub-counties in Ngora are already benefiting from the rural electrification program, and additional solar-powered systems are being installed to expand access.

On education, he highlighted that Ngora District has 59 government primary schools and six secondary schools, with a plan to ensure one government primary school per parish and one government secondary school per sub-county. He emphasized that education must remain free for all learners to guarantee equal opportunities.

Regarding health services, the President observed that out of the district’s 11 sub-counties, only one currently has a Health Centre IV. The government, he said, plans to upgrade existing facilities, construct new ones, and improve infrastructure through fencing and maintenance support.

He also commended the district for achieving 90 percent clean water coverage, pledging to extend clean water access to the remaining 10 percent.

“We must continue protecting the gains we have made,” the President said. “Wealth creation begins at the household level, while government continues to build the necessary infrastructure to support that growth.”

The President’s visit to Ngora District was part of his campaign tour of the Teso sub-region, during which he reiterated the NRM government’s commitment to consolidating peace, promoting wealth creation, and expanding social services.

Residents welcomed the renewed pledge to prioritize the Kumi–Ngora–Serere Road project, expressing optimism that it will enhance trade, transport, and economic integration across the region.