Rukiga, Kabale — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has intensified his campaign trail in Kigezi Sub-Region, presenting the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Manifesto for 2026–2031 in Kabale and calling on Ugandans in Rukiga to judge the ruling party by its “visible contributions” as he seeks re-election in the 2026 general elections.
Addressing a massive gathering at Kigezi High School Primary Lower School Playground in Kabale Municipality, President Museveni—who is also the NRM Presidential flag bearer—reiterated the seven key contributions the party has delivered over the past four decades.
“Our first contribution is peace,” he said, emphasising how deeply communities value stability, especially after hearing from residents in Kisoro about ongoing insecurity in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.
He noted that peace forms the foundation upon which development and wealth creation stand. Turning to household transformation, the President praised local religious leaders for embracing modern farming approaches. “I advised them to go and see the work being done by Nyakana of Fort Portal and Hon. Fred Byamukama of Bugangaizi West, in line with the four-acre model,” he said. “I am happy they are doing a great job.”
Museveni emphasised that households with small landholdings must adopt intensive farming using the four-acre model’s seven enterprises, while larger landowners should venture into extensive farming such as tobacco, cotton, or free-range livestock.
“What causes poverty now is people with small pieces of land trying to do extensive farming,” he cautioned. He celebrated Uganda’s rising coffee production: “We now have 12 million coffee bags because many Ugandans have woken up.”
On job creation, the President sought to correct public misconceptions. “Most people think jobs come from the government, which is wrong. Government jobs are only 480,000,” he noted, sharing the example of Basangwa from Busoga who abandoned the search for a government job and embraced commercial agriculture.
“From his wealth, he has been able to create 300 jobs. You can’t talk about jobs without talking about wealth creation.” He added that factories, services, and ICT remain major job creators, with new industries employing more than 1.3 million Ugandans.
He also revealed plans to establish an iron and steel factory in Kabale but highlighted challenges related to fragmented land. “We need 150 acres. The Bible says a nation without a vision perishes. Land in Kabale has been fragmented, and now I have a factory but nowhere to put it,” he said, stressing that the future industrial town will focus on manufacturing and value addition.
The President also underscored development as another major NRM achievement, citing improvements in roads, electricity, telecommunications, schools, and hospitals. “Those that are not yet done will be done,” he assured.
NRM leaders echoed these themes. Rt. Hon. Anita Among urged Kabale residents to rally behind Museveni. “He is the only hope Uganda has,” she said. Hon. Asiimwe Jonard thanked the President for empowering youth, while Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda praised him for defeating insurgents and securing peace. Asinga Bridget Tumwesigye lauded government support for infrastructure and skilling programs in Kigezi.
The following day in Rukiga, President Museveni delivered a similar message—but this time with a stronger call for reflection on NRM’s legacy. Addressing thousands at Rushebeya playground, he declared: “If you support NRM, you’re on the right path because NRM talks about the visible contributions it has made to Uganda.”
Again, placing peace at the forefront, he said: “What is important is to tell you the seven contributions of NRM, starting with peace. Uganda is peaceful because of NRM.” The President contrasted Uganda’s stability with insecurity in the DRC, noting that security has enabled Uganda to attract investment and build its economy.
He revisited the region’s history with electricity, recalling: “When the NRM came into power, this side of Kabale had no electricity from Jinja. The power line stopped in Kasese, and Kabale relied on a small dam at Kariba,” but today, most of the region is connected. He promised further extension to Bukinda and Mparo.
On roads, he highlighted key highways completed under NRM and announced that works will soon begin on the long-awaited Muhanga–Rwamucucu road. Access to safe water in Rukiga now stands at 83%, supported through gravity flow schemes and solar-powered systems.
Museveni urged residents to support the government’s prioritisation of resource allocation. “I need you to help me with one thing—prioritisation of resources, and to do one thing at a time, not everything at once,” he said, explaining why science teachers’ salaries were increased first. He compared this with UPDF welfare: “In the UPDF, we prioritise equipment and the welfare of soldiers, not salary.”
Turning to household wealth creation, he reminded residents that development is public, but wealth is private. He cited Nakaseke farmer George Matongo and poultry farmer Joseph Basangwa—“Somebody who had no job is now employing 300 people. Wealth creates jobs.”
He encouraged families to fully utilise the Parish Development Model, noting that Rukiga has received Shs 9.2 billion with a 99.46% disbursement rate.
On education, Museveni condemned illegal school fees. “When I saw this, I launched the Presidential Skilling Hubs,” he said, promising to recruit 5,000 more teachers.
He credited the NRM government with Uganda’s oil discovery: “Europeans were here for many years but never discovered the country’s oil.”
Speaker Anita Among urged residents to deliver overwhelming support: “On voting day, go and vote for the old man with a hat—and also vote for everyone with the bus.” Rugunda praised Museveni’s lifelong service, noting increased life expectancy since 1986.
Rukiga NRM Chairperson Frank Besigye Kyerere pledged massive support, recalling that Museveni previously won 81.8% of the district vote and expressing confidence this would exceed 90% in 2026.
