Museveni: Why I Remain Uganda’s Best Choice Ahead of 2026 Elections

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has expressed confidence in his leadership as Uganda approaches the 2026 presidential elections, stating that among the eight candidates in the race, he remains the most qualified for the job.

“If you are honest and not envious, you know the economy of Uganda and recovery it got was because of NRM. The progress you can see is because of NRM. Everybody had failed to bring peace to Uganda, I could say for the last 500 years. Because of the ideology and historical contribution of the NRM, I don’t see how the people would fail to see NRM is the right choice,” Museveni stated.

The president made these remarks during a media engagement with journalists from the Lango sub-region at Baralegi State Lodge in Otuke district, where he addressed a range of issues related to Uganda’s political landscape and development trajectory.

Among the opposition figures in the 2026 presidential race are Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Nandala Mafabi representing the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Mugisha Muntu of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), and Mubarak Munyagwa of the Common Man’s Party. Other contenders include Frank Kabinga (Revolutionary People’s Party), Robert Kasibante (National Peasants’ Party), and Joseph Mabirizi (Conservative Party).

Reflecting on Uganda’s past, Museveni said the country’s troubled history spans nearly five centuries, with real peace being achieved only during the past two decades under his leadership.

“We know what was happening before colonialism, during colonialism and after. It was bloodshed all the time but since 2006 when we defeated Kony and ADF and whole country is in peace,” Museveni said, referencing the brutal insurgencies that especially affected regions like Lango.

Turning to Uganda’s development, the NRM presidential flag bearer emphasized the transformation achieved over nearly four decades. He highlighted that his government inherited a collapsed economy and had to rebuild from scratch.

Tracing Uganda’s economic growth from the colonial era, Museveni said the country’s GDP has risen significantly—from just $3.9 billion in 1986 to $66 billion today.

“We have worked on roads. There is electricity even in Baralegi here, Patong, Kalong, Abim but also health centres, unlike before. You can see that for yourself. Some of the roads need to be repaired because there has been lack of coordination in repairing them but will be sorted out.”

Museveni also pointed to poverty alleviation efforts launched by his government, beginning with Entandikwa in 1995, and followed by Bonna Bagaggawale, Operation Wealth Creation, and NAADs.

“Many leaders haven’t been clear on issue of wealth creation. The idea of everyone getting out of poverty is NRM ideology. When you see PDM and Entandika among others, are all due to our ideology of prosperity for all. None of the governments had ever tried that.”

He emphasized the need for Ugandans to move beyond being spectators in economic development and instead become active participants in wealth creation.

“The NRM is the only party which can ensure stability. Because of the ideology and historical contribution of the NRM, I don’t see how the people would fail to see NRM is the right choice.”