Museveni assures Buganda of free and fair elections and total peace

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Monday launched his first campaign rally in the Buganda region, addressing a massive crowd at Kasambya Town Council in Mubende District, where he presented the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Manifesto for 2026–2031.

The President reaffirmed that peace remains the NRM’s foremost achievement and priority, noting that Uganda was once plagued by instability caused by sectarian politics based on religion and tribe—an approach he said the NRM decisively rejected. He warned that no individual or group would be allowed to destabilize the peace currently enjoyed in the country.

On electoral reforms, President Museveni dismissed claims that Buganda overwhelmingly supported the opposition in previous elections, describing the allegations as false and a product of electoral cheating. He said government has since strengthened the voting process by introducing biometric verification, including fingerprint confirmation for every voter, to eliminate vote rigging.

Addressing development, the President said the NRM’s second major contribution focuses on both economic and social infrastructure. He emphasized government investment in roads, electricity and other productive infrastructure, cautioning that excessive focus on salary increments could slow national development.

Museveni noted that Mubende District has already registered significant progress and pledged that all pending projects would be implemented. On social infrastructure, he reiterated government plans to ensure a government primary school in every parish and a government secondary school in every sub-county. He also promised the establishment of a public university in the area, explaining that government intends to set up public universities in old districts created during the colonial period.

On wealth creation, which he described as the NRM’s third pillar, the President said development alone does not automatically translate into individual wealth. He outlined the four-acre model for small landholders, involving coffee growing, fruit production, pasture for animals, food crops for the family, poultry and fish farming. Those with larger landholdings, he said, can engage in ranching, tea and cotton growing.

President Museveni added that job creation is driven mainly by four sectors—commercial agriculture, industry, services and ICT. He assured residents that no one would be chased off their land and expressed satisfaction with the efforts of NRM leaders in addressing land-related challenges.

NRM First National Vice Chairperson Alhaji Moses Kigongo urged residents to maintain peace and harmony during the election period. The Second National Vice Chairperson (Female) and Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, called on the President to support the issuance of land titles to occupants of land owned by absentee landlords, with government compensating the landlords. She cautioned residents against what she termed selfish leaders who claim to seek change while their families live comfortably abroad.

NRM Vice Chairperson for Central Region Haruna Kasolo appealed to voters in Mubende to give President Museveni and all NRM flag bearers full support in the forthcoming elections.

Mubende District NRM Chairperson Ainebyona Thomas pledged 100 percent support for President Museveni and other party candidates, thanking the President for Parish Development Model funds, which he said are transforming households. He also requested the establishment of a public university in Mubende to reduce the need for residents to travel to Kampala or Mbarara for higher education.

While appreciating the land fund, Ainebyona noted that cases of land evictions persist and called for further government intervention. He also appealed for the creation of new administrative units, including granting district status to Kasambya, to bring services closer to the people.