Museveni Assures Buganda of Free and Fair Elections, Total Peace

Mubende – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has assured residents of Buganda of free and fair elections and continued peace as he kicked off his campaign activities in the region, addressing a large rally at Kasambya Town Council in Mubende District.

Presenting the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Manifesto for 2026–2031, President Museveni said peace remains the party’s most important achievement, noting that Uganda had previously suffered from instability driven by sectarian politics based on religion and tribe.

“Peace is our first and biggest contribution. Uganda was once ungoverned because of sectarianism, but we rejected that completely,” President Museveni said, adding that no individual or group would be allowed to destabilise the peace currently enjoyed in the country.

On electoral reforms, the President dismissed claims that Buganda overwhelmingly supported the opposition in previous elections, describing such assertions as false and a result of electoral malpractice.

“Those claims are not true. They came out of cheating,” he said, explaining that the government has since strengthened the voting process by introducing biometric verification, including fingerprint confirmation for every voter, to eliminate vote rigging.

Turning to development, President Museveni said the NRM’s second major contribution is investment in both economic and social infrastructure. He explained that government priorities include roads, electricity and other productive infrastructure, cautioning against an excessive focus on salary increments at the expense of broader development.

“Mubende has already made good progress, and the projects that are not yet complete will be implemented,” he said.

On social services, the President reiterated government plans to establish a government primary school in every parish and a government secondary school in every sub-county. He also pledged to establish a public university in the area, noting that the government intends to set up public universities in districts that existed during the colonial period.

Wealth creation, President Museveni said, is the NRM’s third core contribution. He stressed that while development is important, it does not automatically make individuals wealthy.

“Development alone does not make people rich,” he said, outlining the four-acre model for small-scale landholders, which includes coffee, fruits, pasture for animals, food crops for the family, poultry and fish farming. He added that those with larger landholdings can engage in ranching, tea and cotton growing.

On employment, the President said jobs are mainly created through four sectors: commercial agriculture, industry, services and ICT. He also assured residents that no one would be chased off their land, expressing satisfaction with the work of NRM leaders in resolving land-related challenges.

NRM First National Vice Chairperson Alhaji Moses Kigongo called on residents to maintain peace and harmony throughout the election period.

“We must safeguard the peace we have as we go through the elections,” Kigongo said.

The Second National Vice Chairperson (Female) of NRM and Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among urged the President to support the issuance of land titles to occupants of land owned by absentee landlords, with the government compensating the landlords.

She cautioned residents against what she described as selfish leaders who claim to seek change while their families live comfortably abroad.

“Some people talk about change, yet their families are enjoying life outside the country,” Among said, contrasting them with President Museveni’s children, whom she said are serving and protecting Uganda.

NRM Vice Chairperson for Central Region Hon. Haruna Kasolo appealed to voters in Mubende to give President Museveni and all NRM flag bearers full support in the forthcoming elections.

Mubende District NRM Chairperson Mr Ainebyona Thomas pledged “100 percent support” for President Museveni and the party’s candidates, thanking the President for the Parish Development Model funds, which he said are transforming households.

“These funds are changing the lives of our people,” Ainebyona said.

He also renewed calls for the establishment of a public university in Mubende to reduce the cost of pursuing higher education in Kampala or Mbarara. While welcoming the land fund, he noted that land evictions persist and called for further government intervention.

Mr Ainebyona further appealed for the creation of new administrative units, including granting district status to Kasambya, to bring services closer to the people.