President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the NRM Presidential flagbearer for the 2026 general elections, has officially launched his campaigns in Luweero District, the historic ground of the National Resistance Army (NRA) liberation struggle.
The launch, held at Bukalasa Agricultural College playground, drew thousands of supporters and was attended by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni.
Running under the theme “Protecting the Gains, Making a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status,” the campaigns began in Luweero, often called the Luweero Triangle—the cradle of the 1981–1986 liberation war.
Addressing the crowd, President Museveni paid tribute to the people of Luweero: “To the people of Luweero, I want to thank you on behalf of your grandparents and parents who fought with us when we were fighting. Uganda was in a very bad situation; governance had collapsed, the economy had collapsed, and security was very bad. But your people stood with us, and together we brought a new situation for this country.”
The President reminded Ugandans of the post-war challenges his government faced: “We had to fight wars with groups of the old regimes on one side, while repairing the economy on the other. Now I am here to report that we have moved very far.”
Progress and Wealth Creation
President Museveni highlighted achievements in peace, agriculture, and industrial growth. He cited State Minister for Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama, who earns Shs 55 million monthly from eggs and about Shs 600 million annually, as an example of the potential of commercial agriculture.
“I want you to know that many Ugandans have woken up and are benefitting from commercial agriculture.”
Tracing progress in the money economy, he noted: “At independence, only 9% of Ugandans were in the money economy. By 2013, just 32% had joined. Now, after Operation Wealth Creation, PDM, and Emyooga, 67% are in the money economy. Only 33% remain outside. In this kisanja, we are going to ensure all our people join, especially through agriculture, but also industry, skilling, and manufacturing.”
The President pointed to Uganda’s expanding industrial base, now hosting over 50,000 factories: “In the past, towns were just shops selling paraffin. Today, we have factories making buses, including electric ones, built by your own brothers and sisters here in Uganda. This is the new wealth. Factories create jobs, jobs create taxes, and taxes build roads, railways, and electricity.”
Skilling, Governance, and Accountability
On youth empowerment, he emphasised the role of Presidential Skilling Hubs: “Once we train you, you can produce your own artisan products. That is another form of wealth.”
He warned against corruption in government programs: “We repaired the economy and sent money down to parishes. But some people steal it. I want you to expose them, and we shall arrest them. Let us work together.”
On health services, the president said the problem of stealing drugs is not in Congo or South Sudan.
“It is here. These drugs are traceable. If you elect good LC5s and MPs, they can help monitor the health centres. From the centre, I will also act. Immunisation is working well; that’s why we have so many young people now. But the problem is curative treatment, where drugs are stolen. That must stop.”
On education, he said the government has spent a long time talking about free education.
“These schools were meant to be day schools at the sub-county level, where children can walk or cycle and study freely. But head teachers have been insisting on charges. We are now going to be tough on this issue. We are going to recruit 50,000 more teachers so that excuse ends.”
Land, Petroleum, and Development Programs
On land rights, Museveni reassured bibanja holders: “The kibanja is yours. If a landlord refuses the busulu, you can pay at the sub-county, and you will remain on your land. Our long-term solution as the government will be to pay off the landlords, so you stay with your land. No one should intimidate you.”
He added that petroleum production starting next year would boost the economy, and reaffirmed commitment to funding government programs: “From the time we stood with your parents here in Luweero to today, Uganda has changed. The only thing left is for all of you to get out of poverty by using government programs. We shall add resources, but you must also play your part.”
He concluded: “Therefore, Abalemezi and comrades of Luweero, I am here to report on what has been done since we took over government and also to show you a picture of what it will look like when you all embrace the government programs aimed at poverty alleviation. To bring this vision together, we need leaders who are aligned at all the different levels. Please continue supporting the Movement so that Uganda becomes a modern country.”
Party Matters
As NRM National Chairman, President Museveni also handed over the party flag to NRM parliamentary flag bearers in Luweero.
NRM First National Vice Chairman, Al Hajji Moses Kigongo, congratulated the President and appreciated the large turnout: “Maama Janet, the people of Luweero are happy to see you. As NRM, we are ready to ensure that the people give us full support.”
The event was attended by NRM CEC members, Members of Parliament, cultural and religious leaders, and thousands of supporters.