President Yoweri Museveni, the ruling NRM presidential candidate, has confidently asserted that among the eight candidates contesting the 2026 elections, he remains the most qualified for the job.
“If you are honest and not envious, you know the economy of Uganda and recovery it got was because of NRM. The progress you can see is because of NRM,” Museveni told journalists from the Lango sub-region during a media interaction at Baralegi State Lodge in Otuke district.
The president emphasized that Uganda’s stability, peace, and development in the last two decades are unmatched in the country’s history.
🕊️ Peace After Decades of Conflict
Museveni traced Uganda’s turbulent history over the past 500 years, noting that persistent bloodshed marked the country until his administration began addressing internal conflicts.
“We know what was happening before colonialism, during colonialism and after. It was bloodshed all the time, but since 2006 when we defeated Kony and ADF, the whole country is in peace,” Museveni said.
The statement came as a reminder of Lango’s own tragic experience during the Lord’s Resistance Army insurgency, highlighting the significance of the NRM’s peace initiatives.
💹 Economic Growth and Development
Museveni also highlighted economic progress under his nearly four decades in power, claiming that Uganda’s economy has grown from $3.9 billion in 1986 to $66 billion today.
“We have worked on roads. There is electricity even in Baralegi here, Patong, Kalong, Abim, but also health centres, unlike before. Some of the roads need to be repaired because there has been lack of coordination, but will be sorted out,” he said.
He underlined the government’s poverty alleviation and wealth creation programs, including Entandikwa (introduced in 1995), Bonna Bagaggawale, Operation Wealth Creation, and NAADs.
“Many leaders haven’t been clear on wealth creation. The idea of everyone getting out of poverty is NRM ideology. None of the governments had ever tried that,” Museveni added.
The president stressed that every Ugandan should participate in wealth creation, rather than being mere spectators.
🏛️ Opposition Landscape
Museveni’s remarks came amid a crowded opposition field, which includes:
- Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu – National Unity Platform (NUP)
- Nandala Mafabi – Forum for Democratic Change (FDC)
- Mugisha Muntu – Alliance for National Transformation (ANT)
- Mubarak Munyagwa – Common Man’s Party
- Frank Kabinga, Robert Kasibante, Joseph Mabirizi – Representing Revolutionary People’s Party, National Peasants’ Party, and Conservative Party, respectively
Despite the competition, Museveni underscored the NRM’s ideology and historical contribution as central to Uganda’s progress.
“The NRM is the only party which can ensure stability. Because of the ideology and historical contribution of the NRM, I don’t see how the people would fail to see NRM is the right choice,” he said.
🚀 NRM’s Achievements in Focus
Museveni emphasized the NRM’s work in:
- Infrastructure: Roads, electricity expansion, health centres
- Poverty reduction: Entandikwa, Bonna Bagaggawale, Operation Wealth Creation, NAADs
- Economic growth: From $3.9B in 1986 to $66B today
- Peace and security: Defeat of Kony and ADF insurgents, nationwide stability
He argued that no other party has delivered comparable results in Uganda’s modern history.
💬 Looking Ahead
As the 2026 elections approach, Museveni’s campaign is emphasizing a narrative of continuity, stability, and prosperity, contrasting the NRM’s track record with the promises of opposition parties.
“Everybody had failed to bring peace to Uganda for the last 500 years. Because of NRM, you can see progress,” he said.
Do you agree with Museveni that NRM is Uganda’s best choice for 2026?
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