President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has launched his re-election bid for the 2026 presidential race by unveiling a comprehensive six-point programme aimed at wealth creation, education, healthcare, anti-corruption, infrastructure, and national security. The announcement comes as he seeks a seventh term, which would extend his leadership of Uganda beyond 40 years.
The declaration was made shortly after Museveni was officially nominated as the presidential flag bearer of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). Speaking to a massive crowd of jubilant supporters at Kololo Independence Grounds, Museveni laid out his vision for Uganda’s next chapter, focusing heavily on empowering the youth, grassroots development, and institutional strengthening.
Targeted Financial Support for Youth and Institutions
Among the most significant promises was a bold initiative to support unemployed graduates. Museveni pledged that those who fail to find employment within two years of completing their studies will each receive startup capital of UGX 2 million to begin income-generating ventures.
To reinforce grassroots development, the President also announced an additional UGX 15 million injection into the Parish Development Model (PDM) specifically for parish leaders, ensuring they too directly benefit from wealth creation efforts.
“We shall create funds for each respective group to ensure nobody is left behind,” Museveni declared, urging Ugandans to adopt the money economy as either wealth creators or productive workers.
The President further emphasized targeted support for vulnerable and marginalized groups. He committed to enhancing the Ghetto Youth Fund, expanding skilling programs across all 171 districts and municipalities, and creating special financial facilities for religious and cultural institutions to aid their developmental efforts.
Praise from Leaders and Former Rivals
The event drew a high-profile lineup of supporters. Former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, who formally nominated Museveni, praised the President’s leadership in delivering peace, economic transformation, and a dramatic reduction in infant mortality—from 120 per 1,000 in 1986 to about 25 today.
In a striking political shift, Ms. Charity Lenia, a former youth leader in the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) and now the NRM flag bearer for Vvura County, seconded Museveni’s nomination. She credited the President for advancing gender equality and youth empowerment, saying, “We must support him for championing women’s emancipation and youth empowerment.”
Education Progress Since 1986
First Lady and Minister of Education, Maama Janet Museveni, used the platform to spotlight the NRM government’s achievements in the education sector.
“We had 454 secondary schools in 1986, but now we have 1,400 secondary schools today,” she said, also noting the increase in primary schools from 6,880 to 12,549 since Museveni came to power. She urged Ugandans to re-elect the President to continue building on this progress.
NRM Rallies Behind Museveni
The rally at Kololo was a vivid display of NRM unity and muscle, featuring top party officials, cultural and religious figures, and supporters from across the country. Al-Hajji Moses Kigongo, Speaker Anita Among, NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, and Deputy SG Rose Namayanja all called on voters to rally behind Museveni and reject independent candidates.
Museveni concluded the event with a strong message of continuity and transformation. As chants of “Jajja wa’Bazzukulu” echoed across the venue, he assured supporters that his upcoming manifesto will present detailed plans to drive economic growth, strengthen household incomes, and consolidate Uganda’s progress.