LUWERO — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni officially kicked off his 2026 re-election campaign on Tuesday in Luweero — the symbolic birthplace of his National Resistance Army (NRA) guerrilla struggle — pledging to protect “revolutionary gains” and push millions more Ugandans out of poverty.
Speaking to thousands of cheering supporters at Bukalasa Agricultural College playground, Museveni framed his candidacy as a continuation of the revolution he led four decades ago.
“Uganda was in a very bad situation. Governance had collapsed, the economy had collapsed, and security was very bad. But your people stood with us, and together we brought a new situation for this country,” Museveni declared.
The campaign will run under the theme: “Protecting the Gains, Making a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status.”
The event drew senior NRM leaders, cultural figures, and First Lady Janet Museveni, signaling the ruling party’s full mobilization ahead of a fierce 2026 presidential contest.
Poverty in Luweero: Symbolism Meets Reality
Luweero holds deep symbolism for Museveni as the cradle of his bush war — but it also remains one of Uganda’s poorest districts.
According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, 19% of Luweero’s residents live below the poverty line, compared to the national average of 20.3%. The district’s economy is still dominated by subsistence farming, leaving rural households vulnerable to shocks and cut off from lucrative markets.
Museveni acknowledged the challenge, promising that Operation Wealth Creation, the Parish Development Model (PDM), and Emyooga will transform livelihoods.
“Now, after these interventions, 67% of Ugandans are in the money economy. Only 33% remain outside. In this kisanja, we are going to ensure all our people join,” Museveni told the crowd.
Campaign Promises: Factories, Jobs, and Education
In his speech, Museveni touted Uganda’s expanding industrial base, claiming the country now has more than 50,000 factories producing goods ranging from buses to electric vehicles.
He also unveiled key pledges for 2026:
- Crack down on corruption in schools, health centers, and local government.
- Recruit 50,000 new teachers to reinforce free education.
- Protect bibanja tenants and eventually buy out landlords to end land disputes.
- Kickstart oil production next year, describing it as a “major boost” for the economy.
Museveni also vowed to eliminate drug theft in health facilities and misuse of parish funds, warning that accountability will be central to his next term.
The Political Battlefield: Museveni vs. Kyagulanyi
While Museveni has been in power since 1986, the 2026 race is expected to be one of his toughest yet.
He faces renewed resistance from opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) and other challengers who accuse the ruling party of entrenching poverty, corruption, and authoritarian rule.
Still, by launching his campaign in Luweero, Museveni is reminding voters of his revolutionary legacy and appealing to historical loyalty — while promising a future of prosperity driven by industrialization and oil revenues.
✨ Bottom Line: Museveni’s campaign message blends history with promises of transformation. But in a country where youth unemployment, poverty, and land disputes remain pressing issues, the question is whether his pledges will resonate — or whether voters will look for change in 2026.
