President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has confirmed that Butebo, along with Pallisa, will be included in the government’s livestock restocking programme, aimed at rebuilding herds affected by past cattle rustling and conflict.
While addressing thousands of residents during a campaign rally in Butebo District, President Museveni assured the people that these districts would join other regions, such as Teso, Lango, and Acholi, that have previously faced massive cattle losses. Under the programme, each eligible household will receive five cows as part of efforts to rebuild their livestock.
“Peace is key. Parts of Pallisa and Butebo were badly affected by cattle rustling. We will ensure the sub-counties that suffered are included in the restocking programme,” he said. “This is the first contribution towards rebuilding your livestock.”
The President, accompanied by the First Daughter Mrs. Natasha Karugire Museveni and other NRM leaders, also used the rally to present the party’s 2026–2031 manifesto, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting the people of Butebo.
Beyond livestock restoration, President Museveni highlighted the need for improved infrastructure in the district, specifically roads. “I didn’t know that Butebo did not have a tarmac road.
I thought the road from Pallisa to Kamonkoli passed through here. Now that I know it doesn’t, we shall work on the road connecting Pallisa, Butebo, and Nakaloke,” he said.
He outlined a number of ongoing infrastructure projects, including bridges at Nabukhaya, Nambola, Nametsimeri, Sahana, and Khamitsaru, and the upgrading of roads such as Nabumali–Butaleja–Namutumba and Tororo–Nagongera–Busolwe. He also commended the local leaders for maintaining marram roads, saying, “I landed by helicopter and traveled on very good roads. This shows the people of Butebo are serious about development. In other districts, they just eat the money.”
In addition to infrastructure, the President touched on key developments in water, agriculture, and health. He praised Butebo’s 87% safe water coverage and pledged to expand piped water systems in Petete and Nasurete. He also committed to completing water-for-production projects like the Manyowe Solar-Powered Irrigation Scheme and promised that feasibility studies are ongoing for the Kabelai Surface Water Reservoir and the Akisim Medium-Scale Irrigation Scheme.
On health, President Museveni confirmed plans to upgrade and construct new health centers, with an aim for at least one Health Centre III per sub-county. He also commended Butebo’s progress in education, noting that the district now has five government secondary schools, a major improvement compared to Uganda’s limited schools in 1961.
The President urged residents to embrace government programmes, maintain peace, and continue supporting the NRM’s agenda for prosperity. He also handed over NRM flags to aspiring Members of Parliament, LC5 chairperson, councillors, and other party candidates, formally endorsing their candidacies.
The Speaker of Parliament, who is also the NRM Second National Vice Chairperson (Female), Rt. Hon. Anita Among, emphasized the ongoing developments in the district and thanked the NRM government for the improvements in roads, education, and healthcare. “Because Butebo is now a district, it deserves a tarmac road. The Parish Development Model has enabled money to circulate in the community, and after five years, we shall be prosperous,” she said.
Butebo District, with 61 parishes, has seen 18,516 households benefit from Parish Development Model funds totaling Shs.18.5 billion. The district also hosts 18 Emyooga SACCOs, which have received Shs.980 million in government support.
Dr. Monica Musenero, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, and NRM Chairperson for Butebo, described the President’s visit as historic, marking the first time he had campaigned in the district since its formation. “Our people are ready to support you,” she said.