President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential flag bearer, has announced plans to establish a cross-border market between Uganda and Kenya in Amudat.

On Tuesday, 28th October, 2025, while addressing an ecstatic crowd at Kalas School’s Grounds in Amudat district, Museveni accompanied by the First Lady, Mama Janet Museveni promised to transform Amudat District into a thriving hub of cross-border trade, commercial agriculture, and infrastructure development.

He says this would boost trade and cooperation with neighboring Pokot communities.

“We are one people divided by colonial borders. Trade must unite us again. With better roads, electricity, and peace, Amudat will become a centre of business in the region,” Museveni said.

He said the NRM government is now focused on consolidating peace and channeling resources toward economic empowerment, with Amudat among the key beneficiaries of new infrastructure projects and wealth creation programmes.

“Karamoja is no longer a land of insecurity; it is now a land of opportunity. What we need is to make every family enter the money economy,” Museveni declared, amid cheers from residents who turned up in thousands dressed in NRM’s yellow.

The President reaffirmed that the government has already approved plans to tarmac the Amudat–Nakapiripirit road, a key route that connects the district to the rest of Karamoja and Uganda’s trade corridor with Kenya.

“This road will boost business between Uganda and Kenya. Traders from both sides will move easily and safely. That’s how we expand our economy,” Museveni said.

He also pledged to improve electricity supply in the district, saying that power expansion will support small-scale industries, schools, and hospitals. He noted that the extension of the national grid to Karamoja is already in progress and will soon cover the entire sub-region.

Museveni further announced that government was working with development partners to construct valley dams and water harvesting systems to support livestock farming and crop irrigation in the semi-arid area.

“Water for production is key for this region. Once we have enough water, we can stop depending on rain. That’s how we will make Karamoja productive all year round,” he said.

Museveni emphasized that while government provides infrastructure, it is the people’s responsibility to generate wealth within their households.

He encouraged residents to embrace the four-acre model — a farming approach that divides land for different income streams such as dairy, food crops, fruits, and cash crops.

“You may not have a big piece of land, but even a few acres can make you rich if you plan well. We want you to move from subsistence to commercial production,” he said.

The President noted that many households in Karamoja are now benefitting from the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and other wealth creation programs, urging local leaders to ensure funds reach genuine beneficiaries.

“We have given you the capital, PDM and Emyooga. Use that money to start something productive. Buy animals, grow crops, or open small businesses. That’s how we will defeat poverty,” Museveni said.

Museveni praised the ongoing improvements in education and health services in Amudat, saying government has built new schools and health centres in hard-to-reach areas.

He cited the construction of community secondary schools and the deployment of more health workers as evidence of NRM’s commitment to social transformation.

“We have opened schools and health units even in the most remote areas. Now, every child can study, and every mother can access treatment without walking long distances,” he said.

On security, the President lauded the disarmament exercise in Karamoja, saying it restored stability and paved the way for development. He urged residents to reject cattle rustling and instead use peace to build wealth.

“Cattle rustling is backward. You cannot develop when you are stealing cows. Use peace to do business, farm, and educate your children,” he said firmly.

On Wednesday, President Museveni takes his rally to Nakapiripirit and Nabilatuk districts.