President Museveni Blames Corruption for Drug Shortages, Urges Economic Empowerment

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has attributed the current shortage of drugs in public health facilities to corruption. He made these remarks today, March 19, 2024, while campaigning for Janet Adong Elau, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party candidate in the Dokolo by-election for Woman Parliamentary Representative, during a rally held at Atabu Primary School, Amwoma Sub County in Dokolo district.

“People are discussing the issue of drug scarcity in health centers. This problem stems from corruption within your own ranks,” President Museveni stated.

He urged Ugandans to adopt household income initiatives to boost wealth creation through commercial agriculture, as advocated by the government. The President also encouraged residents to actively participate in the Parish Development Model program, which allocates 17  million shillings per parish annually.

“When selecting a party to support, consider its demonstrated capability. The NRM has a proven track record of performance. It was established to address people’s needs, including food, housing, poverty alleviation, peace, and education. For instance, in Dokolo, there are now 10 government schools, whereas there were none in Lango at the time of independence in 1960,” President Museveni remarked.

He emphasized that the NRM government remains steadfast in its commitment to poverty eradication through various programs.

“A paved road alone cannot eradicate poverty in the region. It is akin to suggesting that good roads can exist in the presence of poverty,” Museveni asserted.

President Museveni instructed the Minister of State for Northern Uganda, Grace Freedom Kwiyicywi to convene a meeting with the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to investigate why most residents in Dokolo district have not been extensively connected to the national grid despite surplus power in Uganda. He emphasized the need for the Dokolo Resident District Commissioner (RDC) to explain any delays to local residents.

Regarding the delayed delivery of a bus to Dokolo Technical School, a promise he made years ago, President Museveni attributed it to inefficiencies among some staff in his office in reminding him.

Six candidates, including Dr. Rosemary Alwoch (FDC), the daughter of the late MP Cecilia Atim Ogwal, Harriet Ageno of NUP, Rebecca Arao (Independent), Sarah Aguti (UPC), and Dr. Akullo Obot, are contesting in the upcoming parliamentary byelection.