By Carolyne Muyama
The campaign season is now in full swing, shaping up as a contest between continuity and various versions of “change.”
As the media tries to give equal airtime to all candidates, naturally, some candidates dominate more than others.
In this race, the headlines are primarily about the incumbent President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (NRM), Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine, NUP), Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Gregory Mugisha Muntu (ANT) and Nathan Nandala Mafabi (FDC) are the top four contenders. The candidates have taken different approaches, as we have observed.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s selling point is continuity of long-term projects, infrastructure, security, and a narrative of steady development.
He has positioned himself as the guarantor of stability and of ongoing investments in roads, health facilities, and youth support programmes.
On the other hand, Robert Kyagulanyi, a second-time presidential candidate, who appeals mainly to urban youth, relying on his music style rallies to draw crowds, bases his campaign on attacking and criticizing President Museveni and his government.
The running battles with security were his best-selling point, and with none at play so far, it is steadily becoming an uphill task for Kyagulanyi to address his crowds.
He is a populist and offers fewer programmatic details than established technocratic alternatives.
President Yoweri Museveni’s political record remains unmatched. His supporters see him as a symbol of security and progress, as his opponents call for leadership change, offering themselves as alternatives.
As the 2026 elections draw closer, it is clear that Museveni is still the leading presidential candidate despite the political malignment from his opponents.
But what is Museveni’s trick to stay the people’s favorite?
Museveni’s rallies have drawn large, enthusiastic crowds, demonstrating not just political support but also renewed faith in his vision for Uganda’s continued progress.
At every stop, the President has reminded Ugandans that transformation begins with the individual through hard work, enterprise, and patriotism. His warmth and humor during these rallies show a leader still in touch with the people, even after his long service.
At several rallies in rural districts, President Museveni has taken time to speak directly with farmers about their challenges, from livestock management to access to markets.
In some cases, he has stepped off the podium to talk to individuals and offer practical advice. These exchanges show him as a hands-on leader who understands agriculture from the grassroots level.
He often uses storytelling rooted in village life, peppered with humor and local idioms that resonate deeply with rural audiences.
He has recalled childhood memories of cattle keeping and family discipline, which are simple yet powerful tales that remind supporters that he shares their cultural background and values.
In recent rallies targeting young voters, Museveni has taken selfies with students, danced briefly to popular songs, and engaged in lighthearted conversations about innovation and employment.
These moments humanize him and project the image of an elder statesman who respects and relates to the younger generation’s aspirations.
At women’s gatherings, Museveni has personally handed over startup funds, sewing machines, and agricultural inputs.
His interactions, often accompanied by words of encouragement and laughter, show a leader who values women as key partners in national development rather than as political footnotes.
A recurring highlight in his rallies is Museveni’s deliberate choice to address people in their native languages.
Whether speaking Runyankore, Luganda, or Luo, he adapts his tone and vocabulary to connect emotionally with each audience, reinforcing a sense of shared identity and national belonging.
Unlike typical campaign speeches, some of his rallies include question-and-answer sessions where locals directly express concerns about roads, schools, or healthcare.
His patient and detailed responses underscore his image as a listener and problem-solver rather than a distant politician.
These moments collectively paint a picture of Museveni as a leader grounded in Ugandan culture and community life, whose strength lies in direct interaction rather than formal speeches alone.
A central theme in Museveni’s campaign has been economic transformation through industrialization and modernization of agriculture.
At rallies, he has cited success stories from dairy cooperatives in the west to new factories in central Uganda as evidence that the country’s economy is steadily shifting from subsistence to value addition.
He continues to emphasize the importance of the Parish Development Model and youth enterprise funds, calling them vehicles that will lift millions out of poverty and build a self-sustaining economy.
The high turnout of young people at his rallies shows their recognition of Museveni’s focus on youth empowerment.
His message to the youth is that Uganda’s future depends on their creativity and discipline, and his government will provide the foundation they need to succeed.
He has held several engagements with young entrepreneurs, encouraging them to take advantage of programs in ICT, innovation hubs, and vocational training.
In an era of regional and global instability, Museveni’s contribution and message of the importance of peace have been consistent everywhere he has gone.
He reminds citizens that Uganda’s security, unity, and steady economic growth are hard-won achievements that must be protected.
His vision for transformation is not about short-term politics but about long-term national progress built on stability.
His supporters speak not only of the President’s achievements but also of his enduring drive to see Uganda fully industrialized and self-reliant.
Each rally has become a stage for celebrating how far the country has come and a rallying point for how much further it can go under a leader whose mission remains unfinished, hence the theme, ‘Protecting the Gains’.
President Museveni’s message often expands beyond Uganda’s borders, emphasizing African unity and self-reliance.
Domestically, he calls for harmony among Ugandans regardless of tribe, religion, or political affiliation. His campaigns stress that unity and patriotism are key to preserving the nation’s progress.
President Museveni’s rallies have reawakened confidence in Uganda’s transformation journey. His vision for a modern, prosperous, and peaceful nation continues to inspire millions.
Through his message of discipline, unity, and empowerment, Museveni stands as a symbol of continuity and progress — guiding Uganda toward a brighter future.
