President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Tuesday pledged fresh funding initiatives for social and economic groups across Uganda, shortly after being officially nominated as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate for the 2026 General Elections.
Addressing thousands of jubilant supporters at Kololo Independence Grounds, Museveni expressed gratitude to party leaders, religious figures, cultural representatives, and citizens from across the country who turned up in a show of overwhelming support.
“I want to thank all of you who endorsed my nomination papers and those who have come here today. The strength of the NRM family is a testament to Uganda’s steady progress,” Museveni said.
The President emphasised the need for Ugandans to embrace wealth creation through modern economic sectors such as agriculture, industry, ICT, and services.
“We celebrate what we have achieved, but we must now leap forward,” he said. “The 33 percent of households still outside the money economy must join the journey of transformation. No one should be left behind.”
New Funds for Youth, Graduates, and Institutions
Museveni announced plans for a series of targeted funds to address unemployment and boost livelihoods, including a special fund for university graduates who fail to find jobs two years after completing their studies, expansion of the ghetto youth fund, and additional skilling programs across all districts and municipalities.
He also revealed discussions to establish financial facilities for religious and cultural institutions. “We shall create funds for each respective group to ensure nobody is left behind,” Museveni declared, promising that his upcoming manifesto would provide details on how the initiatives will be implemented.
Highlighting Uganda’s growing capacity in local manufacturing—from agriculture processing to automobile assembly—the President assured supporters that the NRM would “protect the gains” made so far while steering the country toward industrialisation and middle-income status.
NRM Leaders, First Lady Rally Behind Museveni
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, highlighted the government’s strides in education, noting that the number of primary schools had grown from 6,880 in the 1990s to 12,549 today, while secondary schools had increased from 454 to 1,400 over the same period.
“We still have pupils without schools, and we must complete what we started. I ask Ugandans to vote for President Museveni so he can finish the plans he began when he rescued this country from bad leadership,” she said.
NRM Vice Chairperson Al-Hajji Moses Kigongo described Museveni’s candidature as “the opening of a new chapter,” urging voters to rally behind the President and all official party candidates.
Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second National Vice Chairperson (Female), Rt. Hon. Annet Anita Among praised Museveni for maintaining peace and security. “Entrust him with your votes so that the gains we have made as a nation can be protected,” she said.
NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong called Museveni’s candidature “demand-driven,” urging party members to unite behind the flagbearer. “We call on all independents to support official party candidates so we can secure victory in 2026,” he said.
Deputy Secretary General Rose Namayanja expressed confidence that Museveni would deliver another electoral win, while former Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, who officially nominated the President, hailed his leadership record.
“I have known President Museveni since we were students,” Rugunda said. “He has given his life for the liberation of Uganda and our continent. He led wars to free this country from dictatorship and turned Uganda into the proud nation we see today.”
Rugunda cited Museveni’s role in uniting the country, reducing infant mortality from 120 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1986 to about 25 today, and empowering citizens through economic programs. “We must ensure this tested leader is given the mandate to guide the country through the next phase of transformation,” Rugunda declared.
Youth leader and NRM flagbearer for Vvura County, Charity Lenia, seconded the nomination and urged young people to support Museveni. “He is the leader who brought women’s emancipation and opened doors for us youth,” she said.