President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential flag bearer for the 2026 general elections, today launched his campaigns in Luweero District, the historic ground of the National Resistance Army (NRA) liberation struggle.
The launch, held at Bukalasa Agricultural College playground, drew thousands of supporters.
The President was also accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni.
The campaigns will run under the theme: “Protecting the Gains, Making a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status.”
Luweero, often called the Luweero Triangle, was the base of the NRA fighters during the 1981–1986 bush war. Its historical significance as the cradle of the liberation struggle made it a symbolic and powerful choice for the launch of the 2026 campaigns.
Addressing his supporters, President Museveni pledged to consolidate Uganda’s progress and push every citizen into the money economy.
“To the people of Luweero, I want to thank you on behalf of your grandparents and parents who fought with us when we were fighting. Uganda was in a very bad situation, governance had collapsed, the economy had collapsed, and security was very bad. But your people stood with us, and together we brought a new situation for this country.”
The President reminded Ugandans that after liberating Kampala, his government had to stop the misbehavior of soldiers (obukambwe), introduce democracy through the Local Council system, and revive the economy.
“We had to fight wars with groups of the old regimes on one side while repairing the economy on the other. Now I am here to report that we have moved very far,” President Museveni said.
He cited peace across Uganda, the revival of agriculture, and the growth of industry. Giving an example, he mentioned a prominent farmer, Hon. Fred Byamukama, the State Minister for Transport, who earns Shs 55 million a month from eggs alone and about Shs 600 million annually.
“I want you to know that many Ugandans have woken up and are benefitting from commercial agriculture,” he said.
He explained that at independence, only 9% of Ugandans were in the money economy. By 2013, just 32% had joined.
“Now, after Operation Wealth Creation, PDM, and Emyooga, 67% are in the money economy. Only 33% remain outside. In this kisanja, we are going to ensure all our people join, especially through agriculture, but also industry, skilling, and manufacturing.”
President Museveni highlighted Uganda’s growing industrial base, noting that the country now has over 50,000 factories.
“In the past, towns were just shops selling paraffin. Today, we have factories making buses, including electric ones built by your own brothers and sisters here in Uganda. This is the new wealth. Factories create jobs, jobs create taxes, and taxes build roads, railways, and electricity,” he said.
He pointed to the Presidential Skilling Hubs as a new path to youth empowerment.
“Once we train you, you can produce your own artisan products. That is another form of wealth.”
The President also warned against theft of government money in programs such as PDM and Emyooga.
“We repaired the economy and sent money down to parishes. But some people steal it. I want you to expose them and we shall arrest them. Let us work together,” President Museveni urged.
He also promised action on the theft of drugs in health centers.
“The problem of stealing drugs is not in Congo or South Sudan. It is here. These drugs are traceable. If you elect good LC5s and MPs, they can help monitor the health centers. From the center, I will also act. Immunization is working well, that’s why we have so many young people now. But the problem is curative treatment, where drugs are stolen. That must stop,” he said.
On education, President Museveni was emphatic that government schools must stop charging illegal fees.
“We have spent a long time talking about free education. These schools were meant to be day schools at sub-county level where children can walk or cycle and study freely. But head teachers have been insisting on charges. We are now going to be tough on this issue,” he said.
“We are going to recruit 50,000 more teachers so that excuse ends. My Presidential Skilling Hubs have already shown it is possible to train children at no cost, and in just six months they become responsible citizens. So, where we are going, we are going to be tough on those charging illegal fees in government schools.”
On land matters, President Museveni reassured bibanja holders of full protection under the law.
“The kibanja is yours. If a landlord refuses the busulu, you can pay at the sub-county, and you will remain on your land. Our long-term solution as government will be to pay off the landlords, so you stay with your land. No one should intimidate you,” he said.
The President also spoke about petroleum production beginning next year as a major boost to the economy.
He also pledged that government programs like PDM and Emyooga will continue to receive more funding—up to Shs 300m for parishes in towns and an additional Shs15m to the Shs100m for the leaders in the rural areas.
“From the time we stood with your parents here in Luweero to today, Uganda has changed. The only thing left is for all of you to get out of poverty by using government programs. We shall add resources, but you must also play your part,” President Museveni said.
He added: “Therefore, Abalemezi and comrades of Luweero, I am here to report on what has been done since we took over government and also to show you a picture of what it will look like when you all embrace the government programs aimed at poverty alleviation. To bring this vision together, we need leaders who are aligned at all the different levels.”
He concluded by calling for unity and support to the NRM.
“Please continue supporting the Movement so that Uganda becomes a modern country,” he said.
During the same event, the President, who is also the NRM National Chairman, handed over the party flag to the NRM parliamentary flag bearers in Luweero District.
On his part, the NRM First National Vice Chairman, Al Hajji Moses Kigongo, congratulated President Museveni and thanked the people of Luweero for turning up in big numbers, saying they were all happy to see their candidate.
“Maama Janet, the people of Luweero are happy to see you. As NRM, we are ready to ensure that the people give us full support.”
The event was graced by NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, as well as thousands of supporters.
