President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Monday took his wealth-creation message to Kigezi as he kicked off the Western Uganda phase of his 2026 presidential campaigns, urging citizens to adopt income-generating ventures and back the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to secure the country’s socio-economic progress.
Speaking to thousands gathered at Saaza Grounds in Kisoro District, the NRM national chairman and presidential flag bearer said Uganda’s next stage of development hinges on transforming household economies, especially in rural areas.
He noted that although peace and infrastructure remain key achievements of the NRM, elevating household income is now the priority if Uganda is to make “a qualitative jump to high middle-income status.”
“We are here to ask for your support for the National Resistance Movement and to explain why,” he said. “Many people say ‘vote for me,’ but what have they done for Uganda? Many of our country’s problems—sugar, cement, salt, clothing—have been solved by the NRM.”
Museveni stressed that wealth creation is at the core of his message. “Yes, there is tarmac up to Bunagana and Cyanika, but people don’t sleep on the road,” he said. “The NRM insists on wealth in every household.”
He pointed to Ugandans thriving through commercial farming, such as George Matongo of Ngoma, Nakaseke, who produces 900 litres of milk a day earning Shs 21 million a month, and Joseph Basangwa of Kamuli, who makes about Shs 20 million daily from poultry.
Museveni reiterated the 4-acre model first introduced in the 1996 manifesto, urging farmers to diversify into enterprises like coffee, fruits, dairy, poultry, piggery and fish farming. He added that growth in jobs is now driven by commercial agriculture, industry, services and ICT, citing the rise in factory employment from 480,000 to 1.3 million workers and praising the Sino-Mbale Industrial Park as an example of expanding manufacturing.
Beyond wealth creation, Museveni listed seven key NRM achievements, beginning with peace, which he said remains the bedrock of development. He thanked the people of Kisoro for supporting efforts to stabilise the once insecure border region.
On development, he highlighted improvements in transport, electricity, communication, and education, pointing to upgraded roads from Kampala through Mbarara to Kisoro. He also pledged to complete the Kabale–Kisoro–Mgahinga National Park road and the Kisoro–Muko–Rukiri–Katoojo stretch.
The President reported growth in Kisoro’s education sector, which now has 136 government primary schools and 14 government secondary schools under the USE and UPOLET programmes. However, he noted gaps, with 26 of the district’s 71 parishes lacking a government primary school and 10 of 24 sub-counties without a government secondary school.
“With your support, we shall strengthen the gains made and continue modernising Uganda,” he said.
Museveni was accompanied by senior NRM leaders who called for unity and strong backing for the party in the 2026 elections. Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second National Vice Chairperson, Rt. Hon. Annet Anita Among, said Ugandans will reward the NRM for maintaining peace and driving development.
Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa described Museveni’s decision to begin his western campaign in Kisoro as “an expression of love,” while NRM Vice Chairperson for Western Uganda, Hon. Asiimwe Jonard, reaffirmed the region’s continued support for the party.
The rally attracted several prominent figures including NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, cabinet ministers, MPs, and well-known Kisoro personalities such as Gen. Kale Kayihura and King Ceasor Mulenga.
