By Frank Kamuntu
A jubilant President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has hailed members of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) for entrusting him with the party’s presidential flag for the 2026–2031 term, unveiling a sweeping programme aimed at deepening wealth creation, strengthening education and healthcare, and stamping out corruption.
The veteran leader, speaking shortly after his nomination, at the Kololo Independence Grounds, celebrated Uganda’s economic strides during his tenure, noting that the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) had more than doubled in the past few years.
“In this economy, the GDP of Uganda has doubled from $34 billion to $66 billion,” he said to thunderous applause. “You have everything today that you lacked in the past: electricity, roads, telephones, manpower, the educated people, and peace. That’s why we are being flooded by many investors, because they are looking for a peaceful and profitable area where to invest.”
Expanding Money Economy
Museveni pointed to a significant expansion of Uganda’s “money economy,” revealing that the proportion of citizens outside wealth-creating activities has fallen dramatically.
“Twelve years ago, only 32 percent of the people were engaged in wealth creation,” he noted. “With the efforts we have done, that figure has now gone down, and by the last census only 33 percent remain outside the money economy.”
Healthcare & Youth Empowerment
Pledging to tighten oversight in public health, Museveni vowed to curb the theft of government drugs from health centres and replicate the success of the country’s celebrated immunisation programme across other medical services.
“It is not true that the government cannot provide efficient healthcare. Immunisation is working very well; that is why I do not see anyone with polio in this generation,” he said.
He also revived a long-standing proposal to support jobless graduates, announcing plans to establish a dedicated fund for university graduates who remain unemployed two years after completing their studies.
Fight Against Corruption
Museveni rallied Ugandans to take an active role in exposing and preventing graft, urging communities to demand accountability for government funds such as the Parish Development Model (PDM).
“You can wait for the president to intervene, but since you are nearby, why not take the initiative to help trace this money yourself?” he challenged the crowd.
Six-Point Agenda For Next Term
The NRM flag bearer outlined a six-pronged strategy for the 2026–2031 term:
• Wealth Creation – Ensuring every Ugandan participates in the money economy.
• Education – Guaranteeing free education for all children in government primary and secondary schools.
• Infrastructure – Tarmacking roads on schedule and maintaining murram roads.
• Security – Preserving national peace while confronting crime and impunity.
• Corruption – Intensifying efforts to eradicate graft across all government levels.
• Health and Water – Protecting medical supplies, expanding immunisation, and delivering clean, safe water to all villages.
Yellow Wave At Kololo
The announcement unfolded during an euphoric celebration at the Kololo Independence Grounds, where thousands of supporters, clad in the party’s trademark yellow T-shirts, caps and scarves, danced, sang and waved placards of loyalty to the long-serving leader. Cultural troupes entertained the sea of yellow as youth and women’s groups chanted slogans in praise of “Jajja wa’Bazzukulu.”
The rally followed Museveni’s formal nomination earlier in the day by the Electoral Commission, officially confirming his candidacy for another five-year term to steer Uganda’s development agenda.
Grassroots Push For Continuity
Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, manager of the Office of the National Chairman, hailed the moment as the fruit of relentless grassroots mobilisation through campaigns such as “Jajja Tova Ku Main” and “Jajja Tova Ku Ballot,” which she spearheaded to press for Museveni’s return.
“These campaigns helped put pressure on the President to know that the Bazzukulu still want him,” Namyalo said, thanking Museveni for “heeding the call of millions of Ugandans.”
As Uganda edges toward the 2026 general elections, Museveni’s message blended a defence of his economic record with new pledges to empower youth, secure social services, and enlist ordinary citizens in the fight against corruption—signalling a campaign that seeks to rally both legacy and renewal.
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