President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged to provide free education and improve health services in Luweero District as part of his campaign promises ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Speaking to residents during a public rally on Tuesday, Museveni said his government will remove barriers that keep children out of school and strengthen health centres to serve communities better.
“Every child must have access to free education, and every family must have a nearby health centre that works. That is our commitment to you,” Museveni told cheering supporters.
Museveni emphasized that education is the foundation of development and poverty reduction. He promised that under the new plan, school fees will be eliminated at all government-aided schools to ensure that every child, regardless of family income, has access to learning.
Parents welcomed the announcement, with some saying it will ease the burden of paying school fees and allow children who had dropped out to return to class.
The President also promised to upgrade health centres across Luweero to ensure they have enough medicines, staff, and equipment.
He acknowledged that many rural health facilities lack drugs and trained health workers, forcing people to travel long distances to seek care.
“We shall make sure health centres have the staff and medicines needed to serve you properly,” Museveni said, noting that improving maternal and child health will be a key priority.
Luweero holds historical importance for Museveni’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), as it was the base of the liberation war that brought him to power nearly four decades ago. However, in recent elections, parts of the district have shifted support to the opposition.
Analysts say Museveni’s new promises may be aimed at regaining political support in the region ahead of the 2026 vote.
While some residents praised the pledges, others said they want to see action, not just campaign promises.
“We have heard such promises before. What we need is real change — medicines in hospitals and children staying in school,” said Sarah Namatovu, a local farmer.
The government is expected to release more details on how the education and health plans will be funded. Opposition leaders have already questioned whether the pledges are realistic given Uganda’s current budget pressures.
For now, many in Luweero remain hopeful that the promises, if fulfilled, could transform their daily lives.
