President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Monday rolled out the Western Uganda phase of his 2026 presidential campaign, urging Ugandans to embrace income-generating activities as a pathway to lasting prosperity and to continue supporting the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to sustain the country’s socio-economic progress.
Speaking to thousands gathered at Saaza Grounds in Kisoro District, the NRM National Chairman and presidential flag bearer said Uganda’s next level of development hinges on transforming household incomes, particularly in rural communities.
He noted that while peace and infrastructure development remain key victories of the NRM government, the country must now focus on empowering families to create wealth if Uganda is to advance into the high middle-income category.
“We are here to ask for your support for the National Resistance Movement and to explain why,” he said. “Some people say ‘support me,’ but what have they done for the country? The NRM has solved many of Uganda’s long-standing problems — from sugar and cement to clothes and salt.”
Museveni stressed that the foundation of his campaign is wealth creation. “We have tarmac roads up to Bunagana and Cyanika, but people don’t sleep on roads,” he said. “That is why the NRM focuses on wealth creation in every home.”
He pointed to rural success stories such as George Matongo from Nakaseke, who produces 900 litres of milk a day and earns about Shs 21 million monthly, and Joseph Basangwa from Kamuli, who makes up to Shs 20 million a day from poultry.
The President reiterated the importance of the 4-acre model introduced in 1996, encouraging farmers to diversify into high-value enterprises like coffee, fruits, dairy, poultry, piggery, and fish farming. He added that job creation is now being powered by commercial agriculture, industry, services, and ICT — noting that factory employment has grown from 480,000 to 1.3 million, with the Sino-Mbale Industrial Park as a key example.
Beyond wealth creation, Museveni outlined the NRM’s seven core achievements, starting with peace, which he said remains the bedrock of national advancement. He commended Kisoro residents for supporting efforts to stabilise the previously insecure border areas.
On development, he cited major improvements in transport networks, electricity, communication, and education. He highlighted road upgrades from Kampala to Mbarara and Kisoro, and pledged completion of the Kabale–Kisoro–Mgahinga National Park road as well as the Kisoro–Muko–Rukiri–Katoojo road.
Museveni said Kisoro’s education sector has expanded significantly, with 136 government primary schools and 14 government secondary schools under USE and UPOLET. However, he raised concern over disparities in distribution, noting that 26 of 71 parishes lack a government primary school and 10 of 24 sub-counties do not have a government secondary school.
“With your support, we shall consolidate what we have achieved and continue transforming Uganda,” he added.
A high-powered NRM delegation joined the President in Kisoro, calling for unity and massive support ahead of the 2026 elections. Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second National Vice Chairperson, Rt. Hon. Annet Anita Among, said Ugandans will re-elect the NRM in appreciation of the peace and development achieved.
Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa described Museveni’s choice to kick off his Western Uganda campaign in Kisoro as “a sign of love,” while NRM Vice Chairperson for Western Uganda Hon. Asiimwe Jonard reaffirmed the region’s unwavering commitment to the party.
The rally was attended by senior NRM leaders, Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, and notable Kisoro figures including Gen. Kale Kayihura and King Ceasor Mulenga.
