YUMBE: President Yoweri Museveni has expressed gratitude for the peace and unity that now prevail across Uganda, attributing the country’s development to a stable foundation laid by the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
“I’m glad that Uganda is now united and peaceful. This unity has enabled us to build strong national institutions. For example, army recruitment is now conducted equally across the entire country, with quotas allocated to every district,” the President said.
He made the remarks on Saturday while officiating at Peace Day celebrations held in Yumbe District under the theme “23 Years of Peace and Progress: Uniting West Nile for Socio-Economic Transformation.”
The event marked the anniversary of the peace agreement signed on December 24, 2002, between the Government of Uganda and the Uganda National Rescue Front II (UNRF II), which brought an end to years of conflict in the West Nile region.
President Museveni emphasized that peace and development have been made possible by the NRM’s consistent stance against wrongdoing and its commitment to doing what is right.
“Some people may feel we haven’t addressed all their problems—such as those of former combatants—but it’s not because we don’t want to. We’ve had to prioritize maintaining peace, building infrastructure, and delivering social services. Without these, we wouldn’t be in a position to address other issues,” he said.
He added that the NRM, which began as a student movement over 60 years ago, has never let Ugandans down. “The NRM has always been a mass party, focused on transforming the entire country.”
Reflecting on Uganda’s political history, President Museveni criticized past governments for promoting divisive ideologies.
“In 1962, we did not support UPC because they misled Buganda into seeking a federal system that was unmanageable. Later, when Amin came to power, we opposed him as well because he lacked a vision for a united Uganda and an East African Federation.”
He stressed the importance of reconciliation and non-retaliation, especially in post-conflict regions like West Nile.
“In 1979, while we fought Amin, we never targeted the people of West Nile. We made it clear that the mistakes were made by individuals, not entire communities. We welcomed those who had fled to Sudan back home without retribution.”
He cited similar approaches in Acholi and Lango, saying, “We rejected revenge against these regions despite past leadership ties. That same principle is what Gen. Moses Ali spoke of opposing wrong and supporting right.”
President Museveni also recognized the contributions of Gen. Salim Saleh and the late Gen. Ali Bamuze in negotiating the 2002 peace agreement, which he described as a milestone in the region’s transformation.
As part of the government’s commitment to supporting former combatants, the President announced a phased Shs26 billion compensation package.
He symbolically handed over Shs1 billion as an initial installment and unveiled a monument honoring the rebel leaders who signed the historic peace agreement.
The President encouraged the people of West Nile to participate in government poverty alleviation programs such as the Parish Development Model, urging them to join the money economy for improved livelihoods.
Gen. Moses Ali, the 2nd Deputy Prime Minister, reported that the UNRF lost 513 fighters during the struggle, and over 60% of the surviving ex-combatants have since passed away, leaving behind many widows, orphans, and dependents. He expressed appreciation for the President’s support and leadership.
“We are grateful for this gesture as you launch the payment to the UNRF ex-combatants. Under your decisive leadership, Uganda is on the right track,” he said.
Hon. Huda Oleru, Minister of State for Veteran Affairs, commended Museveni’s strategic vision that made the peace agreement possible, and thanked West Nile’s political leaders for championing the region’s socio-economic development.
Former Inspector General of Police, Gen. Kale Kayihura, who played a key role in the peace process, also expressed gratitude for being remembered during the celebration.
“It is very exciting to witness the transformation that has followed the peace process,” he said.
Hon. Zoe Bakoko Bakoru, former Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, thanked former rebel leaders for their courage in choosing peace.
“Today is more than a commemoration it is a reflection of progress. We honour the bravery it took to end the fighting, the strength it took to forgive, and the unity that followed,” she said.
She also praised President Museveni’s role in the process.
“Your steady leadership and willingness to engage in inclusive dialogue paved the way for the historic 2002 peace accord. That agreement between UNRF II and the government marked the beginning of a new chapter for the West Nile region.”
