President Museveni, on Monday, made a spirited appeal to Ugandans to rally behind the National Resistance Movement (NRM), but with a pointed challenge to all political actors.
Addressing thousands of jubilant supporters at Saaza Grounds in Kisoro District, the NRM national chairman and 2026 presidential flag bearer launched his first major rally in western Uganda as he intensified his re-election campaign.
Welcomed with thunderous chants from supporters who filled the grounds, President Museveni said Uganda still needs the NRM to consolidate peace, development, and socio-economic transformation nearly four decades after the party came to power.
“The reasons we are here are to ask you to support the National Resistance Movement and to give you the reasons why,” he said.
“People move around saying, ‘support me, support me,’ but ask them what they have done for the country. Uganda has had many problems — sugar shortages, cement, salt, clothes — but we have solved many of them. Most of the work has been done by the NRM.”
He reiterated the campaign theme, “Protecting the Gains as We Make a Qualitative Leap into a High Middle-Income Status,” stressing that continuity, discipline, and household wealth creation remain critical for Uganda’s next phase of progress.
Museveni outlined what he termed seven major contributions of the NRM, beginning with peace, which he said remains the foundation of all achievements. He reminded Kisoro residents—once at the centre of insecurity along the border—of the value of peace and their role in maintaining it.
The second contribution, he said, is development. He cited improvements in transport, electricity, communication, and education over the years.
He referenced major road upgrades from Kampala to Mbarara and Kisoro and promised completion of more strategic routes, including the Kabale–Kisoro–Mgahinga National Park road and the Kisoro–Muko–Rukiri–Katoojo road.
On education, he noted that Kisoro now has 136 government primary schools and 14 government secondary schools offering Universal Secondary Education and Universal Post-O-Level Education and Training.
However, he expressed concern that out of the district’s 71 parishes, 26 still lack a government primary school. “Government schools should be distributed fairly,” he said.
At the secondary level, 10 of the district’s 24 sub-counties still have no government secondary school.
Museveni revisited one of his most persistent messages — distinguishing development from wealth. “We have tarmac roads up to Bunagana and Cyanika to Kabale, but people don’t sleep on the road,” he said. “That is why NRM emphasises wealth creation for every household.”
He shared success stories demonstrating the power of adopting the right agricultural models. One example was George Matongo of Ngoma, Nakaseke, who produces 900 litres of milk daily, earning about Shs 21 million a month despite living far from major road networks. “Development may still be lacking, but wealth is there,” Museveni said. “That is why we tell you to create wealth, and the tarmac road will find you.”
He revisited the 4-acre model introduced in the 1996 manifesto, urging farmers to diversify into high-value enterprises such as coffee, fruits, dairy, poultry, piggery, and fish farming.
He highlighted Joseph Basangwa, a poultry farmer from Kamuli, who turned to farming after losing a district leadership race in 2007 and now sells 110,000 eggs daily, earning Shs 20 million a day and employing 300 people. “He listened to our message,” Museveni said.
On employment, the President said jobs come from commercial agriculture, industry, services, and ICT.
He highlighted industrialisation, noting that factories now employ 1.3 million Ugandans compared to 480,000 on the government payroll. He pointed to the Sino-Mbale Industrial Park, home to over 75 factories, as proof of deliberate NRM policy.
He also praised young people trained under the Presidential Skilling Hubs for using vocational skills to start businesses in welding, carpentry, tailoring, hairdressing, bakery, leather design, and construction.
According to the President, Uganda has made significant progress under the NRM but needs stability and continuity to secure long-term prosperity. “With your support, we shall consolidate the achievements and continue transforming Uganda,” he said.
Leading NRM figures who accompanied the President echoed his message. Speaker of Parliament Annet Anita Among thanked Museveni for transforming Uganda, saying the north and east have promised overwhelming support.
“The people in the north and east have promised 90% of the votes. From Kisoro to Masindi, we expect you to vote 100%,” she said. She praised the improved road network and said Ugandans would vote for NRM to show appreciation for peace and development. “I wonder when people come here and say you have done nothing,” she added.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa said Museveni’s decision to start his western Uganda campaigns in Kisoro was “a sign of love” and urged residents to stay united.
NRM Vice Chairperson for Western Uganda Asiimwe Jonard said the region remains a stronghold, adding, “The gains in western Uganda are many. We are going to support the party as children of NRM.”
The rally drew a high-profile delegation including NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, Central Executive Committee members, Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, and notable Kisoro personalities such as Gen. Kale Kayihura and King Ceasor Mulenga.
