President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has praised Uganda’s unity and stability, crediting the National Resistance Movement (NRM) for fostering national peace and development.
He made the remarks during Peace Day celebrations held in Yumbe District under the theme “23 Years of Peace and Progress: Uniting West Nile for Socio-Economic Transformation.”
“I’m glad Uganda is now united and peaceful,” Museveni said, emphasizing that national institutions are being built on inclusive principles, such as equal recruitment across all districts into the army.
The event marked the 23rd anniversary of the 2002 peace agreement between the government and the Uganda National Rescue Front II (UNRF II), a pact that ended conflict in the West Nile region.
Museveni stressed that the NRM’s success stems from a long-standing policy of opposing wrongdoing and promoting reconciliation.
He highlighted the government’s refusal to pursue revenge against former adversaries, including ex-combatants from Amin’s regime and others from Lango and Acholi.
“We told our soldiers that the people of West Nile are not the problem. Mistakes were made by a few leaders,” the President said, reflecting on efforts to bring back refugees and rebuild trust in the region.
The President also pledged a phased payment of Shs26 billion to former combatants, handing over an initial Shs1 billion at the event. A monument was unveiled in honor of rebel leaders who signed the peace agreement.
Gen. Moses Ali, the 2nd Deputy Prime Minister, noted the loss of 513 UNRF fighters during the conflict and thanked the President for recognizing their sacrifices.
Other leaders, including Minister Huda Oleru and former Minister Zoe Bakoko Bakoru, praised Museveni’s leadership and the region’s transformation since the peace deal.
Former IGP Gen. Kale Kayihura, who played a role in the peace process, also expressed appreciation for being acknowledged.
Museveni concluded by urging West Nile residents to embrace government poverty alleviation initiatives like the Parish Development Model, encouraging full participation in the money economy.
The event underscored both the cost of past conflict and the achievements of over two decades of peace.
