Former Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda has applauded President Yoweri Museveni for what he called major strides in Uganda’s health sector, highlighting improved life expectancy and a steep decline in infant deaths.

Speaking to NRM supporters at Rushebeya in Rukiga District on Tuesday, Rugunda urged voters to reward the President for the progress made.

“We should thank the President by giving him all our votes. Even Fr Gaetano has agreed to support our candidate,” he said.

Rugunda credited government health programmes—particularly universal immunisation—for transforming public health outcomes over the years.

“Ugandans are now living longer. Life expectancy has risen from 43 years to 68. That deserves recognition,” he noted.

He added that infant mortality had dramatically reduced: “It used to be 122 deaths per 1,000 births, but now it stands at 28 per 1,000.”

Large crowds gathered in Rushebeya to welcome NRM presidential flagbearer Yoweri Museveni, who visited the district to present highlights of his 2026–2031 Manifesto. The NRM National Chairman, accompanied by his daughter Patience Rwabwogo, was received by senior party leaders.

In his speech, Museveni outlined what he described as the “seven bricks” the NRM has contributed to Uganda’s progress. He emphasised peace as the foundation, recalling past insecurity in Kigezi due to its closeness to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“We have brought Uganda from very far… all that insecurity is gone,” Museveni said.

He also listed development initiatives, including the expanded electricity grid—which he said once ended in Kasese but now covers the entire Kigezi sub-region—and several key road projects.

Museveni said the strength of the national army resulted from disciplined prioritisation rather than spending heavily on salaries, expensive cars or modern housing.

“We acquired essential stores and equipment because we focused on what mattered,” he said.

The President also praised local efforts to restore the main swamp and urged residents to embrace income-generating activities alongside infrastructure development.

“Let us develop, but also focus on creating wealth,” he said, adding that more funds would be injected into the Parish Development Model (PDM) to support remaining beneficiaries.

Museveni further cited job creation as another major achievement, pointing to graduates from the Presidential Skilling Hubs who have since become job creators.

He refuted claims that he was backing an Independent candidate in Rukiga.

Among Calls for 100% Turnout for Museveni

Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second National Vice Chairperson (Female), Anita Among, told the gathering that leaders from eastern and northern Uganda were firmly behind Museveni’s candidacy.

“We are here to testify that the people of eastern and northern Uganda have committed to voting for Mr Museveni,” she said.

Among urged Rukiga voters to deliver overwhelming support.

“We ask the people of Rukiga to vote for Museveni 100%. On voting day, tick the Old Man with the Hat and choose the bus,” she said.

She dismissed calls for a protest vote, questioning its basis: “This country is not for trial and error. Those talking about a protest vote—what exactly are they protesting? The peace? The development?”