President Museveni Commends Teso for Resilience and Contribution to Peace

Amuria District — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended the people of Teso for their unwavering resilience, unity, and remarkable contribution to the restoration and maintenance of peace in Uganda.

Speaking during a campaign rally in Amuria District, President Museveni—accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni—expressed deep appreciation for the people of Teso, describing them as steadfast patriots who played a decisive role in ending conflict and fostering national stability.

He reminded the gathering of Teso’s pivotal role during Uganda’s most turbulent periods, particularly the early 2000s, when the sub-region faced attacks from the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). During that time, local communities, driven by courage and self-reliance, organized themselves into a militia force known as the Arrow Boys.

The Arrow Boys, composed mainly of former soldiers and local volunteers, armed themselves with rudimentary weapons such as bows and arrows to defend their villages from LRA incursions. Their bravery and determination not only protected countless lives but also helped restore security in the Teso sub-region and neighboring areas.

“The people of Teso stood firm when the country needed them most,” President Museveni said. “They chose courage over fear and became a model of patriotism. Their actions made it possible for peace to return and development to take root.”

The President emphasized that peace remains the bedrock of progress, noting that without stability, no region can achieve sustainable growth. He urged the people of Teso to continue upholding peace and unity, describing them as essential pillars for prosperity and development.

Highlighting the achievements of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government in the sub-region, President Museveni pointed to significant strides in road infrastructure, which have transformed mobility and trade. He cited the tarmacked roads from Soroti to Katine, Otuboi, and Lira, as well as from Soroti to Katakwi, Usuku, and Karamoja, as key projects that have boosted agricultural trade and market access for local farmers.

Museveni assured residents that his government remains committed to closing the remaining gaps in the region’s road network, ensuring that every district in Teso becomes easily accessible for commerce, transport, and social services.

He also highlighted the progress made in electrification, revealing that most areas in Amuria District and the wider Teso sub-region are now connected to the national power grid. Efforts, he said, are underway to extend distribution lines to villages that are yet to benefit from the program. Electricity, he added, will support small-scale industries, improve education, and enhance health service delivery.

President Museveni concluded his address by reaffirming his administration’s dedication to promoting inclusive development, job creation, and youth empowerment. He encouraged the people of Teso to make full use of available opportunities, work hard, and remain united under the common goal of sustaining peace and prosperity.

“The future of Uganda,” he said, “depends on hardworking citizens who value peace and development. Together, we can build a nation that offers opportunity and dignity to every Ugandan.”