2026 elections: Shun Opposition, Museveni tells Butambala residents

The NRM presidential candidate, Mr Yoweri Museveni, has hit out at Opposition politicians who he described as inferior and inexperienced to lead the masses.

Mr Museveni cautioned voters to desist from giving mandate to inexperienced politicians, especially from the Opposition whose focus he claimed is frustrating government’s development initiatives.

“Don’t take decisions by gambling, which you will later regret. Vote the NRM to be sure because our track record on development is known and seen,” said Mr Museveni who is seeking his 7th term. Accompanied by his wife, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Ms Janet Museveni, Mr Museveni made the remarks yesterday as he kicked-off his campaigns in Greater Mpigi, beginning with Butambala District.

His campaign Butambala came barely two days after his closest rival Mr Robert Kyagulanyi of the National Unity Platform (NUP), campaigned in the same district last Saturday.

Mr Kyagulanyi who got 72 percent of the total vote cast in Mpigi beat Mr Museveni with a margin of 614,677 votes in the 2021 General Election

Mr Museveni got 838,858 votes against Mr Kyagulanyi 1,453,535. The NUP leader lost the national polls after emerging as the second in the race, securing 3.6 million votes, against Mr Museveni’s 6.01 million votes.

The NRM also lost at least 10 central region parliamentary seats to NUP, including those that were being held by ministers and Mr Museveni’s then vice president of 10 years, Mr Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi.

The ministers and ministers of state who lost include Ms Judith Nabakooba (Land, Housing and Urban Development), Mr Vincent Bamulanzeki Ssempijja (then minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs), Mr John Chrysostom Muyingo (State for Higher Education), Ms Beti Olive Kamya (former IGG), Ms Nakiwala Kiyingi (then State for Sports), and Mr Haruna Kasolo (State for Microfinance).

The other is the former Government Chief Whip, Ms Ruth Nankabirwa, who is the current Energy minister. This huge victory made NUP the largest Opposition party with 57 MPs. Speaking at the rally yesterday, President Museveni said it’s crucial for voters to elect ideologically-oriented leaders aligned to the NRM party to support all development interventions.

He emphasised that the NRM’s pledges were not mere promises but extensions of the achievements already delivered.

“What we are talking about are not promises; we show that we have delivered over the years, and now we are adding on to our promises,” he said.

On peace, the President reflected on Uganda’s turbulent past and the unity achieved under NRM leadership.

“Uganda was ungovernable at some point. Today, we are all united regardless of tribes, religion, or gender. Everyone can see it, it’s not about saying, it’s about doing,” he added.

Highlighting Butambala’s progress, the President pointed to infrastructure, electricity, and water supply.

“We passed here in Butambala while working on the Kisozi-Mpigi-Kibibi- Gombe-Kyanje-Mpenja-Kanoni-Kabulasoke road,” he said.

“All sub-counties in Butambala now have electricity, and 82 percent of villages enjoy safe water.”

President Museveni also outlined projects that shall be worked on very soon including the Mitala-Maria and Bulo- Kanoni roads, as well as water initiatives in Butambala District.

On personal initiatives, the President shared his own example of productive farming.

“I have a personal model farm, one acre for coffee, one for bananas, one for pasture, and one for cattle and fish. I earn Shs100m per year and after costs, I remain with Shs70m.”

He also underscored the NRM’s role in promoting coffee farming in Buganda, saying, “Masaka, Sembabule, and Rakai people are coffee growers because of the NRM. Those who claim they introduced coffee are not telling the truth.” President Museveni further highlighted the importance of wealth creation as a complement to development.

He cited Ms Rashidah Namubiru, a PDM beneficiary from Butambala, who transformed her life using PDM funds.

“I visited Rashidah myself. She started with goats and land, and today she has multiplied her livestock and income. She is a living example of how PDM changes lives,” he said. Addressing misconceptions about employment, the President noted the limits of government jobs. “Uganda has about 480,000 government jobs for a population of 50 million. You cannot talk about jobs without talking about wealth. Jobs come from commercial agriculture, factories, services, and ICT,” he said.

He cited Mbale Industrial Park, which houses 75 factories and has created thousands of jobs.

“While the government employs 480,000 people, new factories across the country have already created 1.3 million jobs, nearly three times more than the public sector.”

President Museveni revealed that the government was going to set up a Presidential Zonal Industrial Skilling Hub in Greater Mpigi to train the youth in the area. Furthermore, President Museveni urged Ugandans to embrace the opportunities provided by NRM programmes, emphasising that peace, development, and wealth creation remain the pillars of the party’s agenda.

The President also handed over the NRM flags to aspiring Members of Parliament, LC5 chairperson, councillors, and other party candidates in Butambala District, formally endorsing their participation in the upcoming elections.

On her part, the First Lady called on residents of Butambala to turn out in large numbers and support President Museveni and the NRM, saying the party remains the strongest guarantor of Uganda’s unity and peace.

“As you come here today, remember that this enthusiasm should translate into votes. We are looking at 70 percent and above,” she said. She cautioned NRM supporters against limiting mobilisation to rallies, urging them to ensure that no one is left behind on polling day. “These numbers you see here should not be for this rally only. When January 15, 2026 comes, go out and vote. Do not leave anyone at home. Let everyone participate,” she said.

The NRM First National Vice Chairperson, Mr Moses Kigongo also rallied residents to support the ruling party, describing it as a movement founded on truth, discipline and service to the people. “We have come here at the right time to ask for your votes. We need disciplined people who are patriotic and love their country,” Mr Kigongo said.