Kisoro — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Monday launched his Western Uganda campaign trail with a strong appeal to Ugandans to rally behind the National Resistance Movement (NRM), saying the country must “protect the gains” achieved over nearly four decades of the party’s leadership.
Addressing thousands of enthusiastic supporters at Saaza Grounds in Kisoro District, the NRM national chairman and 2026 presidential flag bearer said Uganda still needs the Movement’s steady leadership to consolidate peace, deepen development, and drive the country toward high middle-income status.
“The reason we are here is to ask you to support the National Resistance Movement—and to give you the reasons why,” President Museveni told the crowd. “People move around saying, ‘support me,’ but ask them what they have done. Uganda had many problems—sugar shortages, cement, salt, clothes—but we solved many of them. Most of the work has been done by the NRM.”
The President reiterated his campaign theme, “Protecting the Gains as We Make a Qualitative Leap into a High Middle-Income Status,” saying Uganda’s next stage of transformation requires continuity, discipline, and household-level wealth creation.
Highlighting the NRM’s Key Achievements
President Museveni outlined seven major contributions of the NRM government, beginning with peace—“the foundation of all progress.” He reminded residents of Kisoro’s once-volatile border situation and commended them for cooperating with security agencies to stabilise the area.
He also cited improvements in transport, electricity, communication, and education, pointing to upgraded roads from Kampala to Mbarara and Kisoro. He assured the public of the continued construction of the Kabale–Kisoro–Mgahinga road and the upcoming Kisoro–Muko–Rukiri–Katoojo road.
On education, the President said Kisoro now has 136 government primary schools and 14 government secondary schools offering USE and UPOLET. However, he expressed concern over disparities, noting that 26 of the district’s 71 parishes lack a government primary school, while 10 of 24 sub-counties lack a government secondary school.
Wealth Creation at the Core of the Message
Revisiting a central theme of his political messaging, President Museveni urged Ugandans to distinguish development from wealth. “We have tarmac roads up to Bunagana and Cyanika, but people don’t sleep on the road,” he said. “That is why NRM emphasises wealth creation for every household.”
He highlighted success stories: George Matongo of Ngoma, Nakaseke, who lives far from tarmac but produces 900 litres of milk daily, earning Shs 21 million a month. Joseph Basangwa, a poultry farmer from Kamuli, who turned to farming in 2007 and now sells 110,000 eggs daily—earning Shs 20 million a day and employing 300 workers.
The President renewed his advocacy for the 4-acre model, encouraging farmers to diversify into high-value enterprises such as coffee, fruits, dairy, poultry, piggery, and fish farming.
He also emphasised the four sectors where jobs are created—commercial agriculture, industry/manufacturing, services, and ICT—highlighting progress in industrialisation. Factories now employ 1.3 million Ugandans, compared to 480,000 on the government payroll. He cited the Sino-Mbale Industrial Park’s 75 factories as evidence of this growth.
President Museveni also praised youth trained under the Presidential Skilling Hubs for turning vocational skills into small enterprises in welding, carpentry, tailoring, hairdressing, bakery, leather design, and construction.
“With your support, we shall consolidate the achievements and continue transforming Uganda,” he said.
NRM Leaders Rally Behind Museveni
Top NRM leaders accompanied President Museveni to Kisoro, urging unity and overwhelming support for the 2026 elections.
Rt. Hon. Anita Among, NRM Second National Vice Chairperson and Speaker of Parliament, thanked President Museveni for transforming Uganda.
“The people in the north and east have promised 90% of the votes. From Kisoro to Masindi, we expect 100%,” she said, praising the improved road infrastructure.
Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa said starting the western campaign trail in Kisoro was “a sign of love,” while NRM Vice Chairperson for Western Uganda Hon. Asiimwe Jonard reaffirmed the region’s strong support for the party.
The rally drew several high-profile party members, including NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, Central Executive Committee members, Cabinet ministers, MPs, and prominent Kisoro personalities such as Gen. Kale Kayihura and King Ceasor Mulenga.
