Museveni visits Karamoja: “Oil revenue will fuel infrastructure” declares President at Abim rally
ABIM, Karamoja region — Speaking before a large and enthusiastic crowd at Abim Primary School grounds. President Yoweri Museveni, the flag-bearer of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), emphasised the role of Uganda’s upcoming oil production in accelerating infrastructure development across historically marginalised regions.
“Peace enabled this transformation. When we removed illegal guns and brought stability to Karamoja, we opened up space for development,” Museveni told supporters, referencing his government’s disarmament campaign in the region. He pointed out that some 41,000 illegal firearms were collected during the disarmament effort, a figure he said underscored the scale of insecurity the region once faced.
Turning to economic promise, Museveni told the crowd that oil revenues — set to begin flowing in the near future — would be dedicated to roads, electricity, health centres and schools. “Our oil will start flowing next year, and many development challenges will be fixed,” he asserted.
In addition to major infrastructure, the President addressed local service-delivery deficits. He acknowledged that in Abim district only 28 % of villages have safe water supply, and pledged new health-centre upgrades, school construction and the extension of electricity to previously un-served sub-counties.
Museveni also framed his message around national unity and the NRM’s narrative of inclusive development. “We rejected tribal and religious divisions; that’s how we built strong national institutions,” he stated.
Key take-aways & significance:
The rally underscores Museveni’s strategic focus on regional outreach, especially to areas like Karamoja, often left behind in prior election campaigns.
The emphasis on oil revenue and infrastructure signals his campaign’s narrative of continuity and progress, rather than radical change.
By referencing stability and disarmament, Museveni reinforces the “peace and development” legacy message — a familiar anchor in his messaging.
For opposition observers, the visit raises the question of whether this regional push reflects genuine grassroots engagement or a mobilisation of state resources and networks.
What to watch next:
Follow-up on whether promised infrastructure projects (roads, health centres, electricity) are implemented ahead of the election.
How opposition parties respond in Karamoja and whether they can mount competing outreach in that region.
Whether any incidents at the rally (e.g., restrictions, security presence) attract scrutiny from rights observers.
