“No One Will Destabilize Uganda” — Museveni Fires Warning at Buganda Rally

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni yesterday launched his first campaign rally in the Buganda region ahead of the 2026 general elections, drawing a massive crowd at Kasambya Town Council in Mubende District. The rally marked a significant political moment as the President officially presented the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Manifesto for the 2026–2031 period, outlining the party’s priorities and vision for the country’s future.

Addressing the enthusiastic supporters, President Museveni reaffirmed that peace remains the NRM’s foremost and most important achievement since coming to power. He reminded the gathering that Uganda was once largely ungoverned, plagued by sectarian politics rooted in religion and tribal divisions. According to the President, these destructive tendencies were decisively rejected by the NRM government, paving the way for stability and national unity.

He strongly emphasized that the peace currently enjoyed across the country will not be compromised, warning that no individual or group will be allowed to destabilize the nation. The President stressed that peace is the foundation upon which all development efforts are built.

Turning to electoral reforms, President Museveni dismissed claims that Buganda overwhelmingly supported the opposition in previous elections. He described such allegations as false and the result of cheating. He noted that the government has since taken deliberate steps to strengthen the electoral process by introducing biometric voter verification systems. These include fingerprint confirmation for every voter, a measure aimed at eliminating vote rigging and ensuring transparency in future elections.

On matters of development, the President explained that the NRM’s second major contribution focuses on both economic and social infrastructure. He highlighted the government’s emphasis on major investments such as roads, electricity, and other productive infrastructure, which he said are essential for long-term national growth. He cautioned, however, that placing excessive focus on issues like salary increments without increasing productivity can slow overall development.

President Museveni noted that Mubende District has already registered significant progress under the NRM government and pledged that projects that are yet to be completed will be implemented. He assured residents that no area would be left behind.

Speaking about social infrastructure, the President reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that every parish has a government primary school and every sub-county has a government secondary school. He further promised to establish a public university in the area, explaining that the government plans to provide public universities to the old districts that were created during the colonial period.

On wealth creation, President Museveni said this remains the third key contribution of the NRM. He stressed that while infrastructure development is critical, it does not automatically translate into individual wealth. He encouraged citizens to actively engage in income-generating activities to improve their household incomes.

The President outlined the four-acre model for small landholders, explaining that it includes growing coffee, fruits, pasture for animals, food crops for family consumption, as well as engaging in poultry and fish farming. He added that those with larger landholdings can invest in ranching, tea growing, and cotton production.

Addressing the issue of job creation, President Museveni said employment opportunities are mainly generated from four sectors: commercial agriculture, industry, services, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). He also assured residents that no one would be chased off their land, expressing satisfaction with the efforts of NRM leaders in addressing land-related challenges in the region.

During the rally, the NRM First National Vice Chairperson, Alhaji Moses Kigongo, called on the people of Mubende to maintain peace and harmony throughout the election period, emphasizing that peaceful politics is essential for national progress.

The Second National Vice Chairperson (Female) of the NRM and Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, urged President Museveni to support the issuance of land titles to occupants of land owned by absentee landlords, with the government compensating the landlords. She cautioned residents against what she described as selfish leaders who claim to seek change while their families live comfortably abroad. She contrasted such leaders with President Museveni’s children, whom she said are serving and protecting the country.

NRM Vice Chairperson for the Central Region, Hon. Haruna Kasolo, appealed to the people of Mubende to give President Museveni and all NRM flag bearers full support in the upcoming elections.

The Mubende District NRM Chairperson, Mr. Ainebyona Thomas, pledged 100 percent support for President Museveni and all NRM candidates. He thanked the President for the Parish Development Model funds, which he said are transforming households and improving livelihoods across the district.

Mr. Ainebyona also requested the establishment of a public university in Mubende to reduce the burden on residents who currently travel to Kampala or Mbarara for higher education. While appreciating the government’s land fund, he noted that cases of land evictions persist and called for further intervention to address the problem.

He further requested the creation of new administrative units, including granting district status to Kasambya, saying this would bring services closer to the people and enhance service delivery in the area.