Museveni Narrates How The Arrow Boys Helped To Restore Peace In Teso

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Presidential flag bearer of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), has lauded the people of Teso for their unwavering resilience, patriotism, and invaluable contribution to Uganda’s long journey toward lasting peace.

Addressing a large and enthusiastic crowd at a campaign rally in Amuria District, President Museveni—accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni—described the Teso sub-region as a “pillar of courage and loyalty” during Uganda’s most turbulent years.

“You people of Amuria and Teso are witnesses to what happened here. There is a place called Apopong where the UPDF destroyed Kony’s army. That was the turning point of the war against Kony,” the President recalled, drawing applause from the crowd.

“In Anyara, Kalaki, we killed one of the notorious rebels called Tabuley. I want to thank the Arrow Boys who joined me in bringing peace here,” he added.

The President’s words struck a deep chord with the audience, many of whom vividly remember the dark days of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency. The Arrow Boys, a community-based self-defense force formed in the early 2000s, became a symbol of bravery across the Teso region. Armed with rudimentary weapons—bows, arrows, and fierce determination—they joined hands with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to repel LRA attacks, rescue abducted children, and restore peace in their homeland.

President Museveni emphasized that the tranquility now enjoyed in Teso was not accidental but the result of sacrifice and unity between the people and the government.

“Without peace, no development can take place. That’s why we always emphasize peace first. It’s the reason you can now talk of roads, schools, hospitals, and electricity,” he said firmly.

Transforming Teso Through Infrastructure and Connectivity

In his address, the President highlighted the NRM government’s achievements in transforming Teso’s infrastructure landscape. He pointed to the tarmacked roads linking Soroti to Katine, Otuboi, and Lira, and from Soroti to Katakwi, Usuku, and Karamoja, noting that these highways have opened up the region to trade and investment.

“We have already provided money to take the road from Katine to Ochero. But there are two more big gaps which we are going to work on — Soroti–Amuria–Achanipi all the way to Otuke, and Kumi–Ngora–Serere up to Bugondo,” he said.

“When I tell people in Kampala about those roads, they don’t know them. But I know them because I used them when I was fighting Kony,” he added, drawing laughter and nostalgic murmurs from the crowd.

The President assured residents that Teso’s connectivity was a top government priority, describing roads as the “arteries of economic life” that enable trade, tourism, and access to services.

Extending Power, Water, and Education to Every Corner

President Museveni noted that electricity coverage in Amuria had significantly expanded, with power lines now reaching most sub-counties. He emphasized that the remaining work involves extending distribution networks to remote villages.

Water access has also greatly improved. “Currently, 401 out of 528 villages in Amuria have boreholes, while Amuria Town Council has a piped water system serving over 7,200 residents,” he revealed, underscoring the NRM’s commitment to universal access to safe water.

Under the NRM’s education policy, Amuria District now boasts 68 government primary schools and eight government secondary schools offering Universal Primary and Secondary Education. The President reiterated his goal: “to ensure every parish has a primary school and every sub-county has a secondary school.”

Improving Health and Social Services

On the health front, President Museveni reaffirmed that the government was steadily upgrading local health facilities to ensure better service delivery.

Currently, one hospital and ten Health Centre IIIs serve the 18 sub-counties in Amuria. “Plans are underway to upgrade Olwa, Abia, and Amolo HCIIs to HCIIIs, and to construct new facilities in Ogongora, Asamuk, Wera, and Orungo,” he announced.

The ongoing projects include upgrading Wera HCIII to HCIV and constructing a theatre at Orungo HCIII. “We are working to ensure that every Ugandan has access to quality health services within a reasonable distance,” he said.

“We shall continue upgrading facilities, building staff houses, and using ICT to track medicines and reduce absenteeism among health workers.”

Building Wealth and Sustaining Development

The President turned his focus to wealth creation and production as the backbone of Uganda’s sustainable development. He reminded the people that prosperity depends not only on government programs but also on individual participation in productive economic activities.

“Twelve years ago, only 32% of Ugandans were engaged in wealth creation. The rest were outside the money economy,” he noted.

“I am glad that through our efforts, that figure has now dropped to 33%. I now appeal to the remaining 33% to join the journey of modern wealth creation.”

He praised local success stories like that of Joseph Ijala of Serere, a model farmer whose achievements showcase the potential of commercial agriculture. The President emphasized four core sectors—commercial agriculture, industry, services, and ICT—as the engines of Uganda’s transformation.

“When we talk of roads, schools, hospitals, and security, it is the wealth creators who make these possible through the taxes they generate,” he explained.

Protecting the Gains and Looking Ahead

President Museveni closed his speech by reaffirming his unwavering commitment to consolidating the progress made under the NRM government over the past four decades.

“Let us protect the gains we have made and aim for a qualitative leap into a high middle-income country,” he said, to loud cheers from the gathering.

He then handed over NRM flags to aspiring Members of Parliament, LC V chairpersons, councillors, and other party candidates in Amuria District, symbolically blessing their participation in the forthcoming elections.

Maama Janet Museveni: “We Are One Big NRM Family”

In her remarks, Maama Janet Museveni expressed deep gratitude to the people of Teso for their loyalty and commitment to the ruling party.

“We are proud of you, you look beautiful in yellow. We have come here to remind each other that we are one big NRM family,” she said warmly.

“We have a responsibility to our country and to future generations. On voting day, ensure that every family member and neighbor turns up to vote for the NRM so that we can continue building a stronger and united nation. Uganda will provide an example of an African country that is united and strong,” she added.

Voices of Gratitude from Teso

The NRM chairperson for Amuria District, Mr. Simon Peter Okello, thanked the President for his steadfast leadership and the tangible peace and progress the region now enjoys.

“Your Excellency, allow me to appreciate the peace and security that we now enjoy in Amuria. We also thank you for improving road infrastructure, creating administrative units, and establishing a value addition park in Amuria,” Mr. Okello said.

The event drew an impressive turnout of NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, and thousands of jubilant supporters—all united in their support for the NRM and its vision for a prosperous Uganda.