Uganda’s business community has formally endorsed President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for re-election in the 2026 general elections, citing his role in ensuring peace, stability and a conducive environment for economic growth.
The endorsement was made during the Kampala Business Forum held at Kampala Serena Hotel, which was convened under the theme “The Power of Collaboration: Public–Private Partnerships for National Transformation.”
While officiating at the forum, President Museveni commended the business community for promoting national stability and facilitating access to regional and global markets. He also praised Kampala-based business leaders for supporting government-led economic transformation initiatives.
“You are the middle-class people who depend on what we call profit. Profit is the difference between the cost of production and the final price. You are profit makers; you are the middle class, not peasants,” President Museveni said.
The President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to structured infrastructure development and improved market access, urging business leaders to continue investing productively.
“The Bible says that whatever a man does, that is what he reaps, and this business forum is exactly what NRM has planted,” he said.
Drawing historical parallels, President Museveni noted the role of the middle class in driving transformation.
“The middle class, the bourgeois, were part of the French Revolution because it was the feudalists who had brought taxes. What we are seeing here is you, the middle class, coming up and discovering the interest of integrating a united Uganda and also a united East Africa,” he said.
He added that economies grow when citizens focus on shared economic interests rather than identity differences, noting that Uganda’s emphasis on interest-based politics has created a stable environment for investment.
The business community, led by Mr Emmanuel Katongole, Chairperson of the Presidential CEO Forum, thanked President Museveni and the NRM government for creating a favourable business climate.
“His Excellency’s leadership has connected the doors of national development like a master planner, ensuring that no sector grows in isolation. These are the gains that we must protect,” Mr Katongole said.
He added, “Business and industry love peace and stability. Without peace and stability, businesses fail, and families get disgruntled. That is why we are here today. We are the business leaders and the beneficiaries of that level of peace and security.”
During the forum, participants formally resolved to endorse President Museveni’s re-election and pledged support for him in the 2026 polls. “I congratulate you and welcome your endorsement,” President Museveni said in response.
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa thanked the private sector for the endorsement, saying it would ease the work of driving national development. “I want to thank the private sector for endorsing President Museveni; you have made our work easy in driving national development,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Amos Wekesa, Chief Executive Officer of Great Lakes Safaris, credited President Museveni for revitalising the tourism sector. “Your Excellency, I want to thank you for the tourism industry. It’s now doing wonders. We now have many tourists travelling around Uganda,” Mr Wekesa said.
