Luweero, Uganda – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flagbearer in the 2026 general elections, has officially flagged off his campaigns in Luweero District, the historic cradle of Uganda’s liberation struggle.
The launch, held at Bukalasa Agricultural College playground on Tuesday, September 30, was attended by thousands of enthusiastic supporters and witnessed by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, alongside senior party officials and cultural leaders.
Running under the theme “Protecting the Gains, Making a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status,” Museveni’s campaign kickoff in Luweero underscored the district’s symbolic place in the 1981–86 National Resistance Army (NRA) bush war that brought his government to power.
A Message of Gratitude and Progress
In his keynote address, the President thanked the people of Luweero for the sacrifices of their forefathers during the liberation struggle, reminding them that Uganda had endured a collapsed economy, insecurity, and lawlessness before the NRM took power.
“Your parents and grandparents stood with us when the country was broken. Together, we rebuilt Uganda. Today, I can stand here to report that we have achieved peace, stability, and growth,” Museveni said.
Agriculture, Industry, and the Money Economy
Museveni highlighted the transformation in agriculture and the economy, pointing to success stories such as State Minister for Transport Fred Byamukama, who reportedly earns over Shs 600 million annually from poultry farming.
He noted that at independence, only 9% of Ugandans were in the money economy. By 2013, the figure had risen to 32%, and today, thanks to programs like Operation Wealth Creation, Emyooga, and the Parish Development Model (PDM), 67% are engaged in income-generating activities.
“Our target is to ensure the remaining 33% join the money economy. Agriculture, skilling, and industrialization will be the main drivers,” Museveni said.
He emphasized Uganda’s expanding industrial base, boasting of more than 50,000 factories producing goods ranging from buses—including electric models—to everyday consumables.
Youth Skilling and Education Reform
The President also fronted skilling as a pathway to youth empowerment, saying his Presidential Skilling Hubs were already demonstrating impact.
“With six months of free training, young people are producing their own artisan products and becoming job creators,” Museveni noted.
He further announced a crackdown on illegal school charges in government institutions and pledged to recruit 50,000 more teachers to close staffing gaps.
Tackling Corruption and Drug Theft
Museveni warned against theft of funds under PDM and Emyooga, as well as the persistent problem of stolen drugs in health facilities.
“Expose the thieves and we shall arrest them. The money and drugs we send are for you. They must reach you,” he told supporters.
Land and Oil Development
On land, Museveni reassured bibanja holders that government would protect them against eviction and hinted at long-term plans to buy out landlords.
He also promised that Uganda’s oil production, expected to start next year, will deliver a major boost to the economy and help finance development programs.
A Call for Unity
The President concluded his speech by rallying Ugandans to unite behind the NRM to secure further progress.
“Where we have reached, the only thing left is for everyone to get out of poverty. Let us walk this journey together, and Uganda will become a modern country,” Museveni said.
During the event, he also handed over NRM flags to parliamentary flagbearers from Luweero District.
NRM First National Vice Chairman, Al Hajji Moses Kigongo, praised Museveni’s leadership and thanked the people of Luweero for turning up in big numbers.
The rally was attended by NRM Central Executive Committee members, Members of Parliament, cultural and religious leaders, and thousands of party supporters who cheered their candidate into the next phase of Uganda’s politics.
