Just after midday, as the sun briefly pierced the grey clouds over Buwanda Primary School, a young trader from Busia town lifted her baby onto her shoulders to catch a glimpse of the President. “We came for the message,” she said, “because peace and money matter here.” By the time President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni stepped onto the podium, the grounds had transformed into a sea of yellow, with crowds spilling beyond the school fence and lining the village roads.
The rally, one of the largest in the Bukedi Sub-Region, amplified Busia’s strong interest in the NRM’s 2026 political direction anchored on peace, national unity, and the push for wealth creation.
President Museveni opened his address by reminding supporters that the stability they enjoy today was earned through deliberate political choices. He said Uganda’s peace stemmed from the NRM’s rejection of tribalism and sectarianism, which allowed the creation of inclusive national institutions. “It is because of our politics, which does not believe in tribes or religious sectarianism, that we were able to unite Uganda and build a party that brings everybody together,” he said.
He explained that this unity made it possible to build strong systems, the army, police, prisons, the judiciary and an efficient civil service that have upheld peace for decades. “That is how we have been able to bring peace across the country,” he told the cheering crowd.
The President outlined Busia’s progress in social services. He said government aims to maintain at least one government primary school per parish and a secondary school in every sub-county. He noted that the district has one hospital, a Health Centre IV and fourteen Health Centre IIIs. He added that upgrades are ongoing at Namungodi, Tiira and Lumino Health Centre IIs, with a new Health Centre III planned for Masafu.
On infrastructure, Museveni pointed to major road improvements from Jinja through Bugiri to the border and the Musita–Namayingo–Majanji road, with more works extending toward Tororo. He highlighted the repaired railway line, expanded electricity coverage, improved water access and widespread telecommunication connectivity. “You all have telephones in your pockets,” he remarked, illustrating the district’s growing digital reach.
Museveni then shifted to wealth creation, stressing that development alone does not guarantee prosperity. He said wealth must be intentionally built through commercial agriculture, industry, services and ICT. He reminded residents that Uganda now produces surpluses in milk, sugar, cement and bananas, making regional markets essential for economic growth. “We produce 5.3 billion litres of milk but drink only 800 million. The surplus needs a market. Politics is about the future and that is why government must guide the country’s direction,” he said.
After the President’s speech, NRM National Treasurer Ambassador Barbara Nekesa reinforced the message of income generation. She said wealth creation is now the party’s central pillar, following years of securing peace and building infrastructure. “The President has now given us clear direction. Our role as grassroots leaders is to take this message to the villages, why our people should continue supporting the NRM and how they can use government initiatives to improve household income,” she said.
Nekesa listed projects that have reshaped Busia, including tarmac roads, the Majanji Water Project, the modern market and upgraded health facilities in Ibusime and other areas. She said such infrastructure gives communities the foundation they need to pursue wealth. The massive turnout, she said, was proof that Busia understands the NRM’s vision. “If we take this message seriously and communicate it clearly, the turnout we have seen today will be reflected in the votes we deliver on 15 January 2026,” she said.
She predicted that Bukedi would deliver at least 80 percent support for the party, promising intensified mobilization for both the President and NRM flag bearers. “We are not stopping here. This is only the beginning,” she said.
The rally marked Museveni’s final campaign event in Bukedi before moving to the Busoga Sub-Region, closing a day that reaffirmed Busia’s place at the heart of the NRM’s campaign narrative: peace, stability and wealth creation.