During a campaign rally in Otuke District, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni reassured Ugandans that revenue from the country’s forthcoming oil production will be invested in critical infrastructure rather than spent on luxury imports like whisky, wigs, or perfumes.

Museveni emphasized that once oil production begins in 2026, the generated income will be directed towards building key transport networks, including strategic roads and railways, which are expected to significantly boost Uganda’s economy.

Responding to local complaints about deteriorating road conditions in the Lango sub-region, the President pointed to the 88-kilometre Lira-Abim road passing through Aloi in Alebtong and Adwari in Otuke as a major priority. He described it as a vital corridor linking Lango to Karamoja.

“Now we have social infrastructure; schools, health centres, and electricity, but the major problem is the road. I know these two roads because I use them. This is a road that must be tarmacked,” he emphasised.

Museveni acknowledged that the delay in upgrading this and other roads stems from budget constraints, as national priorities have had to compete for limited funding over the years even before Uganda's oil discoveries.

He also identified the Soroti-Amuria-Acan-pii road in Otuke as another project slated for tarmacking with oil revenues. However, he criticized the Ministry of Works and Transport for overlooking essential road maintenance, insisting that even murram roads should be kept in usable condition.

At the same event, the President advised Lango residents to avoid demanding new roads unless they are being utilized effectively for economic activities.

Government Chief Whip and Ajuri County MP Denis Hamson Obua, who accompanied the President, echoed the NRM government’s commitment to wealth creation. He stated that with the wide range of government initiatives now available, poverty should no longer be seen as a collective challenge but rather as a matter of personal responsibility.