President Yoweri Museveni, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate, recently addressed supporters in Kyankwanzi and Kiboga districts, asserting that neighboring countries admire the peace in Uganda.
Speaking ahead of the 2026 General Elections, Museveni emphasized that the peace and stability, achieved over the last four decades under the NRM government, are non-negotiable gains that must be protected.
The President attributed this long-term stability to the party’s ideological commitment to rejecting sectarianism and the divisive “politics of identity,” which fueled earlier periods of turmoil in the country. Beyond peace, Museveni highlighted significant achievements in national infrastructure, public service coverage, and innovative wealth creation programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM).
The Foundation of Peace and Regional Stability
During his address, President Museveni contrasted Uganda’s current stable environment with its tumultuous past, referencing the 1966 crisis, the 1971 Milton Obote and Idi Amin conflict, and the 1981-1986 liberation war. He stated that the NRM government’s capture of power ushered in an era of tranquility that has lasted for 40 years.
“The country has, for the last 40 years, experienced peace that cannot be destabilized. The neighboring countries admire the peace in Uganda. We should work to protect this peace as one people,” Museveni stressed.
This peace, according to the President, is secured by the NRM’s core ideology, which unites people and encourages citizens to reject the sectarian politics that historically contributed to instability. This focus on unity is presented as a key pillar for Uganda’s regional stability and continued progress.
NRM’s Transformative Development Agenda
The NRM campaign rallies served as a platform for Museveni to audit the government’s performance and highlight developmental milestones, particularly in areas like Kyankwanzi, which were central to the liberation struggle.
Key Infrastructure and Service Delivery Achievements:
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Road Network: Museveni pointed to the construction of tarmac roads, noting that areas like Kyankwanzi, which previously had poor road conditions, now boast improved infrastructure, with tarmac cutting through Busunju, Kiboga, Hoima, and Buliisa to Lake Albert.
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Electricity & Water: The government’s plan to extend electricity has moved beyond Sub-county headquarters. Additionally, Kyankwanzi District reports 84% safe water coverage, with a commitment to reach the remaining villages in the next term.
Driving Individual Wealth through PDM and Emyooga
In a significant shift towards household economic security, the President promoted the government-led wealth creation programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga. He differentiated Uganda’s approach from other countries that focus only on public facilities, noting that the NRM goes further to ensure “individuals generate their own wealth for better livelihoods.”
This focus on individual economic activity is exemplified by the success of the coffee industry, with Uganda now producing 10 million bags of coffee, a substantial increase from 3 million bags in 1986.
Resolving Land Disputes: The Government’s Commitment
A crucial issue raised by NRM officials and residents, including Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, was the pervasive problem of illegal evictions, land grabbing, and absentee landlords in the cattle corridor areas, including Kyankwanzi and Kiboga.
President Museveni assured the populace that the government is committed to resolving these long-standing land disputes in Uganda through the Land Fund. This initiative will see the government purchasing land from absentee landlords to secure ownership for the less privileged tenants (Bibanja holders).
However, residents voiced concerns about senior officials and powerful land grabbers who allegedly use state machinery, including the army and police, to intimidate and evict the poor. The President was urged to intervene directly to ensure the vulnerable can safely utilize their land without fear of eviction.
Protecting the Gains of the Revolution
In his closing remarks, President Museveni encouraged the families of bush war veterans and all citizens to stand firm in support of the NRM revolution. He stressed that the impressive turnout at the rallies, despite heavy rains, signaled the people’s readiness to protect the hard-won peace and the developmental gains ushered in by the NRM government over the last four decades.
The call to action is to reject instability and embrace the path of continued national development and individual wealth creation.
