SOROTI, Uganda — Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, held a media engagement at the State Lodge in Soroti City, outlining the achievements of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and detailing his key campaign pledges as he seeks re-election in the 2026 General Election.
The 81-year-old President began by emphasizing that peace remains the fundamental bedrock of all progress in the East African nation.
“If you want to talk about people’s ability to bring peace, the reason for peace is first of all to have good politics — politics of interest, not politics of identity. The past political parties based their interests on tribes and religion. One of the reasons we were able to create peace is that we rejected that kind of politics.
Because of peace, we have been able to build strong national institutions like the army, police, and intelligence services, where we do not look at one’s tribe. Therefore, the number one contribution of the NRM is peace, which has led to all these things,” he said.
Five pillars of NRM contribution
President Museveni then highlighted five core contributions made by the NRM government to transform Uganda:
- Peace: As noted above, the foundation of political stability and the ability to build national institutions.
- Development: The physical manifestation of progress, which he quantified: “You have all seen what the NRM has done — the roads, electricity, hospitals, and schools.”
- Wealth creation: An achievement he said is often misunderstood. “Many people have been confusing development with wealth creation,” he explained. “Yes, development like roads and electricity is good, but wealth creation is vital for an individual because development is ours, while wealth creation is for the individual.”
- Job creation: He outlined the sources of employment: “We have told you that jobs come from commercial agriculture, Industry, ICT, and services,” urging individuals to embrace these sectors.
- Expanding markets: Museveni stressed that the internal market is insufficient, making regional integration crucial. “Our internal market is not enough, and so we need the East African market,” he said. “Now we have almost a surplus of everything — for example, there is a fruit factory here in Soroti, the Teju Fruit Factory. So if people in Teso, Lango, and Acholi all wake up and plant fruits and our internal market is not enough, where shall we sell our fruits? Therefore, the markets of East Africa and Africa are crucial, and leaders need to talk about this.” He also underscored political integration as essential for future growth.
Policy pledges and party discipline
The President addressed several administrative and political matters:
- Cattle restocking: Museveni confirmed that local communities in Teso, Acholi, and Lango have agreed to his proposal: “I talked to the government, and the local communities of Teso, Acholi, and Lango have agreed to my idea of five cows per homestead.” He assured citizens that the process would commence: “The next thing is now to start the process, and I assure you it will happen. It may take time, but it will happen.”
- Independent NRM candidates: He described NRM candidates contesting as independents against official flag bearers as politically harmful: “Politically, it is bad for an NRM candidate to contest as an independent because you put the official NRM flag bearer at a disadvantage and give their opponent a chance to win. It is really criminal and politically bankrupt.”
- Parish Development Model (PDM): He promised increased funding for the PDM once consistent progress is demonstrated: “The important thing is for it to work. Now that there is progress with PDM, we shall increase it.”
Also Read: President Museveni launches NRM manifesto, sets agenda for 2026–2031
- Administrative units: Regarding the creation of new districts, he stressed prioritization: “It is okay to create new districts, but we must deal with the issue of prioritisation. What is more important — to build a road for the people or to give a new district? The districts will be granted, but prioritization is key because when the road is bad, it affects many people.”
- Education and graduates fund: Museveni expressed concern over the continued charging of fees in government schools despite his push for free education: “I now want a consensus. I wonder why people have not agreed to my idea of free education. It is the reason I established skilling hubs — to show everyone that children can get free education at zero cost.” He also announced plans for a Graduates’ Fund to support unemployed university graduates, noting: “The graduates’ fund will also be accessed at parish level. These graduates — their parents have invested a lot of money in paying school fees, and so they need a fund to help them start their journey.”
The NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, Mr. Calvin Echodu, concluded the event by commending the President for the enlightening discussion on the NRM Manifesto and its core contributions to national progress.
