Museveni promises livestock restocking for Pallisa and Butebo, pledges critical tarmac link

President Yoweri Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential flag bearer, on Wednesday announced the expansion of the national livestock restocking programme to include the districts of Pallisa and Butebo, promising a significant boost to economic recovery in the historically affected areas.

Addressing thousands of supporters during a campaign rally in Butebo District, President Museveni confirmed that eligible households in the newly included districts would receive five cows each, mirroring the support provided to communities in Teso, Lango, and Acholi regions that suffered immense livestock losses due to past wars and cattle raiding.

“I am here with other leaders of the NRM to present to you our manifesto for 2026–2031,” President Museveni stated. “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.”

The announcement marks a focused effort by the government to restore the primary economic assets of communities devastated by insecurity decades ago.

Tarmac Road Pledged After Butebo Discovered Lacking

Beyond the immediate economic relief, the President committed to enhancing critical infrastructure in the region. He specifically addressed the lack of a proper road network in the newly created district.

“I didn’t know that Butebo did not have a tarmac road. I thought the road from Pallisa to Kamonkoli passed through here,” the President noted. “Now that I know it doesn’t, we shall work on the road connecting Pallisa, Butebo, and Nakaloke.”

President Museveni also highlighted several ongoing infrastructure projects, including the construction of the bridge at Nabukhaya, Nambola, Nametsimeri, Sahana, and Khamitsaru. He confirmed funding for the Nabumali-Butaleja-Namutumba road and the Tororo–Nagongera–Busolwe road, reaffirming the government’s commitment to connecting all districts with tarmac roads.

He commended the residents and local leaders of Butebo for diligently maintaining their existing road network. “I landed by helicopter and traveled on very good [marram] roads. This shows the people of Butebo are serious about development. In other districts, they just eat the money.”

Progress in Social Services

The rally also served as a platform to review the progress of social service delivery in Butebo. The President expressed satisfaction with the district’s water coverage, noting that 233 out of 268 villages (87%) now have access to safe water.

Future plans include expanding piped water systems in Petete and Nasurete, and completing major water-for-production schemes like the Manyowe Solar-Powered Irrigation Scheme. Feasibility studies are underway for the Kabelai Surface Water Reservoir and the Akisim Medium-Scale Irrigation Scheme, designed to serve Butebo, Pallisa, and Kumi.

In the health sector, the President pledged to upgrade existing health centers and construct new ones, confirming the goal to have “at least one HCIII per sub-county.” He also praised Butebo’s education sector, noting the existence of five government secondary schools—a remarkable achievement compared to early post-independence Uganda.

PDM Success and NRM Endorsements

The Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second National Vice Chairperson, Rt. Hon. Anita Among, emphasized that the creation of Butebo as a district necessitated full development support, including 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,” Speaker Among said.

Butebo District has seen significant uptake in the Parish Development Model (PDM), with 18,516 households benefiting from Shs. 18.5 billion in funds. 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 and 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.

President Museveni concluded the rally by urging residents to maintain peace, embrace development opportunities, and continue supporting the NRM government’s initiatives before formally handing over NRM flags to aspiring candidates for the upcoming elections.