President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), has launched the party’s manifesto for 2026–2031 with a call to safeguard past gains and drive Uganda toward high middle-income status. The event took place at Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort on September 29, drawing Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, senior party leaders, and NRM delegates.
The manifesto, themed “Protecting the Gains and Securing a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status”, highlights peace, security, development, and wealth creation as the foundation of the NRM’s next five-year agenda.
President Museveni reminded delegates that the NRM’s role in Uganda’s liberation dates back to the 1960s and said the most important achievement has been the assurance of peace. “Our army is very strong. Nobody can bring war here. If you bring war here, we will destroy you,” he said.
He cautioned leaders against tolerating crime, noting that theft undermines government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model.
“People get money for PDM. They buy pigs, goats, chicken—they are stolen. And you find the policemen colluding with the thieves. The judiciary releases them. You leaders should not accept this in your areas,” he warned. He urged leaders to enforce strict discipline, saying, “Any thief who steals properties of the villages must go to jail and stay there and pay for what he has stolen before he comes out.”
Museveni emphasized the importance of infrastructure and wealth creation, citing the transformation of Uganda’s cattle corridor as an example of successful campaigns. With 40 million acres of arable land, he projected the country could generate more than 100 million jobs if land is productively utilized.
He criticized labor export to the Middle East, arguing that Uganda has sufficient opportunities at home.
“The Middle East should be coming here to work. You leave jobs here, you go to work in the Middle East,” he said.
The President also underscored Uganda’s progress in science and innovation, noting that local scientists have developed medicines for major global diseases. “Our people have discovered medicines; we are going to save the world from so many problems,” he said.
Other NRM leaders echoed his message. First National Vice Chairperson Al-Haji Moses Kigongo assured Museveni of victory in 2026 but urged party members to end infighting.
Secretary General Richard Todwong emphasized that the new manifesto builds on decades of steady progress and highlighted achievements such as declining poverty, increased factories, and improved life expectancy.
The manifesto pledges reforms in education, expanded funding for the Parish Development Model, stronger anti-corruption measures, and regional integration through the East African Community. It projects Uganda’s economy to grow to Shs. 254.2 trillion ($66.1 billion) by 2026.