President-Elect Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed attention to the absence of an estimated 10 million registered National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters who did not vote in Uganda’s 2026 presidential election, despite his decisive 71 per cent victory.
Addressing the nation from his Rwakitura residence in Kiruhura District, Museveni said the low turnout among NRM supporters significantly shaped the electoral outcome, noting that the opposition benefitted from the gap.
“We must find out why 10 million registered NRM voters did not turn up,” Museveni said, emphasizing that many of those who stayed away were members and supporters of the ruling party.
Despite the turnout concerns, Museveni described the NRM’s win in both presidential and parliamentary races as a strong national endorsement of the party’s leadership and policies.
He commended security agencies, cultural institutions, religious leaders, and citizens for maintaining peace throughout the electoral period.
Investigations Ordered Into Low Turnout
Museveni said the NRM would carry out internal assessments to establish why such a large number of its supporters failed to vote, stressing that understanding the issue was critical for future political mobilization and democratic participation.
He maintained that had the missing voters turned up, the margin of victory would have been even wider, describing the opposition as “lucky” under the circumstances.
Focus Shifts to Economic Inclusion and Poverty Reduction
Using the turnout issue as a springboard, the President-Elect said the next phase of governance would focus on addressing economic frustrations that may discourage political participation.
“In the next phase, we will focus on two categories: supporting the rich and helping the 30% of Ugandans still living under subsistence farming,” Museveni said.
He added that government interventions would include expanding financial support schemes, strengthening free universal education, improving healthcare services, and accelerating infrastructure development, including water supply systems for domestic and productive use.
Security, Unity and Warning to Opposition
Museveni also linked voter participation to national stability, warning against actions that undermine peace. He accused some opposition figures, particularly from the National Unity Platform (NUP), of engaging in intimidation and forming gangs to disrupt the electoral process.
He said such acts threatened Uganda’s hard-won peace and unity and would not be tolerated.
The President-Elect called on the Interreligious Council of Uganda to engage opposition leaders and promote dialogue, urging them to abandon violence and embrace reconciliation.
Certificate Issued as Leaders Rally Behind Museveni
Museveni later received his official declaration certificate from the Electoral Commission, confirming his victory with 7,946,772 votes, representing 71.65 per cent of valid ballots cast. The certificate was presented by NRM First Vice Chairman Alhaji Moses Kigongo.
Vice President Major Jessica Alupo congratulated Museveni on his victory, calling on Ugandans to remain united.
“Ugandans are united in their belief in your leadership, and I call on everyone to continue supporting your government in this new term,” Alupo said.
First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni thanked God for the victory and praised NRM supporters for their commitment.
“Today, we rededicate ourselves to serving the people of Uganda with even more devotion. God will continue to bless our efforts,” she said.
Looking Ahead
Museveni said the issue of the 10 million absent voters would remain central as the NRM re-organises for the next political cycle, insisting that broader participation is key to sustaining peace, development, and national unity.
“We will not allow anyone to discredit our nation’s peace and development. Together, we will build a prosperous future for all.”