Museveni pledges
Kololo ceremonial grounds turned yellow on Tuesday afternoon as President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni stormed in fresh from the Electoral Commission’s official nomination as the NRM presidential candidate for the 2026 general elections.
The 81-year-old leader, who had earlier been nominated at Lweza, pulled up at Kololo at exactly 3:00 p.m., greeted by wild cheers, party songs, and chants from thousands of NRM diehards who had been waiting all day.
Before Museveni grabbed the microphone, his nominators, former Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda and Lenia Charity Kevin took turns showering him with praises.
Rugunda hailed him as a true patriot and champion of transformation, describing him as a man of “unshakable character.”
Moments later, the symbolic ritual was sealed as NRM Vice Chairperson Al-Hajji Moses Kigongo hoisted the yellow flag and handed it to Museveni, officially crowning him the party’s flagbearer.
And when Museveni finally spoke, the crowd erupted. His message was sharp and direct: “No Ugandan will be left behind in the struggle for wealth creation.”
Museveni pledges
The NRM boss outlined four big pillars for his 2026 campaign commercial agriculture, production, wealth creation, and inclusive government programs.
He promised: 150 million shillings per parish, a special fund for local leaders under the Parish Development Model (PDM). Special funds for fishermen on islands, beyond the PDM allocations. Loans for jobless graduates to help them start businesses after two years without employment. 10 billion shillings for boda boda riders, starting with Kampala. Dedicated funds for religious and cultural leaders to strengthen communities.
On security, Museveni bragged that Uganda is peaceful thanks to the UPDF but warned citizens to stay alert against criminals. On roads, he cautioned Ugandans not to waste time demanding for new districts and salary hikes before essential projects like tarmac rehabilitation are handled.
Turning to corruption, Museveni said wananchi must join the fight: “You know where the thieves are. Stop them from stealing PDM money and drugs in hospitals.”
He also fired back at NRM members complaining about last week’s primaries, telling them to bring proof if they claim the elections weren’t free and fair.
Education wasn’t left out. Museveni called on the First Lady and Education Minister, Janet Kataha Museveni, to address complaints about children still studying under trees. Janet defended her ministry, pointing out progress in expanding schools and improving teachers’ pay, promising that arts teachers will soon be treated like their science counterparts.
With the flag firmly in hand and the crowd still buzzing, Museveni closed his rally with his trademark call to unity and transformation, making it clear: the 2026 battle has officially begun.
