On a cheerful Tuesday afternoon in Luweero, the chants of “NRM oyee!” rippled across Bukalasa Agricultural College playground as thousands of supporters gathered to welcome a familiar figure. For many in the crowd, Luweero is more than just home—it is the soil where the National Resistance Army (NRA) fought a war that changed the country forever. It is here that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer for the 2026 elections, chose to launch his presidential campaigns.
The choice was deliberate and symbolic. Luweero, often called the “Triangle of Liberation,” became the nerve center of the 1981–1986 bush war that propelled the NRM into power. Standing before an emotional crowd, the President reflected on those years and pledged to protect the revolution’s legacy while steering Uganda into a high middle-income status.
“To the people of Luweero, I want to thank you on behalf of your grandparents and parents who stood with us when Uganda was in a very bad situation. Governance had collapsed, the economy had collapsed. Together, we brought a new situation for this country,” he said.
The campaigns will run under the theme “Protecting the Gains, Making a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status.” Museveni reminded Ugandans that the NRM’s first tasks after liberating Kampala were to restore order in the army, revive the economy, and reintroduce democracy through the Local Council system.
“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,” the President warned, calling for stricter discipline among leaders and communities.
Moving Ugandans into the Money Economy
Museveni stressed that Uganda’s future lies in wealth creation and productivity. He said only 9% of Ugandans were part of the money economy at independence, but government programs like Operation Wealth Creation, Parish Development Model (PDM), and Emyooga had expanded that to 67%.
“In this kisanja, we are going to ensure all our people join the money economy, especially through agriculture, industry, skilling, and manufacturing,” he promised.
To illustrate, he cited State Minister for Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama, who earns Shs 55 million monthly from eggs alone. “Many Ugandans have woken up and are benefitting from commercial agriculture,” Museveni said, urging more citizens to follow suit.
Factories, Skilling, and Jobs
Museveni also pointed to industrial growth as a key engine of transformation. “In the past, towns were just shops selling paraffin. Today, we have over 50,000 factories making everything from buses to electric vehicles. This is the new wealth. Factories create jobs, jobs create taxes, and taxes build infrastructure,” he said.
The President highlighted Presidential Skilling Hubs as an avenue for empowering the youth. “Once we train you, you can produce your own artisan products. That is another form of wealth,” he said.
Tackling Theft and Social Challenges
He cautioned against corruption in government programs. “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,” he said.
On healthcare, Museveni condemned the theft of drugs from health centers. “The problem of stealing drugs is here, not in Congo or South Sudan. These drugs are traceable. If you elect good leaders, they can help monitor the health centers. From the center, I will also act,” he added.
He also took a firm stand against illegal school charges. “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. We shall be tough on schools that keep charging illegal fees,” he warned.
Land, Oil, and Future Promises
Museveni reassured bibanja holders of government protection. “The kibanja is yours. If a landlord refuses the busulu, you can pay at the sub-county and remain on your land. Our long-term plan is to pay off landlords,” he said.
He added that petroleum production set to begin next year will further boost Uganda’s economy. Programs like PDM and Emyooga will also receive more funding, with parishes in towns receiving up to Shs 300m and rural leaders an additional Shs 15m.
“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,” he said.
The President concluded by urging unity: “Please continue supporting the Movement so that Uganda becomes a modern country.”
The event also saw Museveni hand over NRM flags to parliamentary candidates in Luweero. NRM First National Vice Chairman, Al Hajji Moses Kigongo, praised the President’s leadership, while supporters, cultural leaders, and religious leaders cheered in solidarity.