NRM is Uganda’s Only Proven Path to Peace and Development – Museveni

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential flagbearer, has reiterated that the NRM remains the only political organisation with a proven and consistent record of leading Uganda from instability to peace and sustained development.

Speaking to thousands of supporters at a campaign rally in Rukungiri, the President said the people of Kigezi understand better than most the meaning of insecurity, recalling a time when communities in Kanungu, Kihihi, and surrounding areas lived under constant fear due to spillover conflict from the DR Congo border.

“We are a tested force. We have walked Uganda through every challenge and delivered stability,” President Museveni said. He emphasised that peace remains the bedrock upon which all national progress is built.

Prioritising Essentials, Not Miracles

The President outlined the NRM’s development philosophy: prioritising what is essential and working systematically within available resources. Government spending, he said, begins with security and continues with roads, electricity, schools, and health facilities.

He highlighted completed works such as the Ntungamo–Rukungiri–Kihihi–Ishasha–Kanungu Road, and announced upcoming projects including the Muhanga–Kisiizi–Rwamucucu–Kebisoni Road and the Kabwohe–Kitagata–Kabira–Rukungiri Road.

“NRM prioritises what matters. We don’t lie, and we don’t promise miracles—we are not Jesus,” he told the cheering crowd.

President Museveni also noted major progress in rural electrification, saying areas such as Bushenyi, Rwashamaire, Rukungiri, Kabale, and Kisoro—once without power—are now fully connected. The government is now moving to ensure every sub-county has electricity.

Supporting the Bakiga and Overcoming Terrain

The President praised the resilience of the Bakiga, known for thriving despite difficult terrain. He committed to expanding irrigation systems capable of lifting water uphill, enabling farmers to grow crops all year round and defeat seasonal poverty.

Wealth Creation: A Personal Responsibility

While celebrating infrastructure gains, President Museveni reminded residents that development alone cannot create prosperity without personal initiative. He urged households to embrace wealth creation through existing programmes such as Entandikwa, NAADS, OWC, Emyooga, and the Parish Development Model (PDM).

“Poverty is personal, and so is wealth. These opportunities are not for the rich—they are for ordinary people,” he said.

He noted that government jobs are limited to only 480,000 positions out of a population of 50 million, while industrial parks already employ 1.3 million Ugandans. “Let us focus on household income and transform our lives,” he appealed.

NRM Flag Handovers and New Converts

The President handed over party flags to NRM parliamentary and local government candidates for Rukungiri District, formally endorsing them for the 2026 elections. He also welcomed several opposition converts, including long-time FDC members, who declared allegiance to the NRM.

A Story of Transformation

Among the rally attendees was Ms Immaculate Aturinda from Kebisoni, whose personal journey reflects the impact of government skilling programmes. After dropping out of school in Senior Three and working as a house girl, she joined the Kigezi Presidential Industrial Skilling Hub, where she received free training, meals, medical care, and learning materials.

Today, she runs her own tailoring business in Kebisoni, employs two people, and earns about Shs 300,000 per month—an income she says restored her dignity and independence.

Local Leaders Highlight Tangible Progress

Former Prime Minister Hon. Amama Mbabazi praised the people of Rukungiri for consistently supporting the NRM, noting that they have witnessed tangible results over the years.

“We came here to ask for your votes. Rukungiri has always stood firm with the NRM,” he said.

The Minister of Security and NRM District Chairman, Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi, echoed these sentiments, saying transformation in the district is visible across all sectors—roads, schools, water, health, and household incomes. He presented a detailed fact sheet demonstrating progress under various government programmes.

Massive Gains Under PDM and Emyooga

Rukungiri District and Municipality together have 16 sub-counties and town councils, 105 parishes, and 831 villages.

Under the PDM, Rukungiri District (93 parishes) received Shs 23.16 billion, with Shs 23.20 billion already disbursed to 23,611 households. Rukungiri Municipality (12 parishes) received Shs 4.92 billion, with Shs 4.93 billion reaching 4,951 households. Overall, 28,562 households (32.7%) out of 87,193 have benefited from PDM funds.

Under Emyooga, the district has 54 SACCOs with 22,334 members. The government has injected Shs 2.56 billion into these groups.

Education and Health Improvements

Rukungiri now has 178 government primary schools and 181 private primary schools, 30 government secondary schools (28 offering USE and UPOLET) and 29 private secondary schools.

Construction of two new Seed Secondary Schools is ongoing; once completed, only one sub-county will lack a government secondary school.

In health, out of 16 sub-counties, 4 have HCIVs, and 13 have HCIIIs, leaving only one without a health facility. Planned interventions include upgrading Rwerere HCII to HCIII, expanding immunisation, enhancing malaria control, deploying ICT systems to track medicines and staff attendance, and building staff houses.

Safe Water, Irrigation, and Electrification

Safe water coverage stands at 85%, with 709 of 831 villages having functional water sources. Completed works include protected springs, piped water systems, borehole rehabilitation, and solar irrigation schemes such as Garuka (15 acres) and Rwengyero (6 acres).

Rukungiri is now fully connected to the national electricity grid, enabling more homes and businesses to access reliable power.

The event drew NRM Central Executive Committee members, MPs, religious and cultural leaders, and thousands of enthusiastic supporters.