President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders to abandon divisive political camps and embrace the party's core principles of patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy.
The President made the remarks while presiding over a thanksgiving ceremony for Minister for the Presidency, Babirye Milly Babalanda, at Iringa Township Primary School in Buyende District.
“I want to thank my daughter, Babirye, for bringing out the issue about the camps in the NRM. We didn’t agree with the old political parties like DP that promoted sectarianism. We believe in politics of interest,” President Museveni said.
He warned party members against selfish politics and emphasized the importance of unity. “You leaders need to be clear about this. Have politics of principles, not politics of selfishness,” he added.
The President urged Ugandans, particularly in Busoga, to focus on wealth creation, explaining the difference between development and individual prosperity. “You can have development but still remain poor. Don’t wait for roads or electricity before you start fighting poverty,” he said.
President Museveni also encouraged citizens to utilize opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT to combat unemployment. “Government jobs are only 480,000, but factories alone employ 1.2 million people,” he noted.
He cited Fred Byamukama, the Minister of State for Transport, as an example of agricultural success, saying he earns Shs 85 million monthly from his four-acre farm.
The President reaffirmed his commitment to free education and skilling programs for the youth. “Let children study for free. If the resources are not enough, tell us and we shall discuss,” he said.
He also pledged to address issues affecting fishing communities and announced plans to tarmac Kamuli Road, Jinja–Budondo Road, and Walugogo–Luuka Road.
President Museveni praised Babalanda for her dedication and resilience. “Babirye has been a good leader and mobilizer of the NRM,” he said, recalling her work with women’s groups in Busoga.
He also thanked God for her recovery from COVID-19 in 2021, noting that she had just been appointed Minister when she fell critically ill.
In her remarks, Babalanda expressed gratitude for the President’s support during her illness and throughout her political journey. “I battled the virus, but God gave me a second chance. I thank the President for standing with me,” she said.
She shared her rise from humble beginnings to a cabinet position, crediting mentorship from senior leaders, including Rebecca Kadaga and Hon. Molly Kamukama.
Babalanda also spoke about her return to school following the President’s advice. “I went back to school not because I didn’t qualify for the job, but because I had joined an unregistered institution after my O’ Level. I now hold a bachelor’s degree and have enrolled for a master’s,” she said.
She thanked the President for grooming her, adding, “I may not be rich, but I am contented with the opportunity to serve. I promise not to disappoint you.”
Busoga leaders used the event to endorse President Museveni as the NRM flag bearer for the 2026 elections. Hon. Babalanda, speaking on their behalf, said regional leaders had unanimously agreed on his candidacy during a meeting on June 3, 2025.
Budiope East MP Moses Magogo echoed the endorsement and thanked the President for signing the Sugarcane (Amendment) Bill and for reforms in the fishing sector. He assured the President of strong NRM support in Buyende, Kaliro, and Namutumba.
The President contributed Shs 100 million towards the construction of a Seventh-day Adventist church in the area.
The event was attended by Ministers, Members of Parliament, RDCs, religious leaders, and other dignitaries.
