President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni—also the NRM Presidential Flag-bearer—has launched his 2026/31 campaign trail in the Ankole Sub-region, beginning with a massive rally in Isingiro District.
He was accompanied by his daughter, Mrs Patience Rwabwogo Museveni, as he engaged thousands of enthusiastic supporters.
Addressing crowds at the Isingiro District Headquarters, President Museveni opened with a reflection on peace, stability, and the evolution of Uganda’s political journey.
“As I introduce to you the 2026/31 Manifesto, I want to thank God. I came here today wearing yellow and without guns. In the past—1972, 1979, and 1985—I passed through here with guns, fighting. But today, we have gathered peacefully, well-dressed, dancing, and united. I thank God, and I thank the NRM for restoring peace in Uganda,” he said.
Infrastructure gains in Ankole
President Museveni highlighted the NRM government’s road achievements, noting completed projects such as the Mbarara–Kikagate–Isingiro and Kachumbala–Kabale–Ntungamo roads.
He said priority roads still to be finalised include: Kikagate–Kitwe–Namahimba and Kabingo–Rwekubo–Rugaaga–Endizi–Magabi–Rakai–Mutukula.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving connectivity for farmers and traders.
Development alone is not enough
Museveni emphasised that Uganda’s infrastructure progress must now translate into household wealth.
He reminded supporters that many urban centres—such as Kampala—have excellent infrastructure but still struggle with poverty.
He reiterated the four pillars of wealth creation: Commercial agriculture, Factory and industrial work, Services (transport, hospitality, etc.) and ICT.
Museveni revisited the Four-Acre Model, first introduced in the 1996 Manifesto, as a practical solution for smallholder prosperity. He detailed the plan: one acre for coffee, one for fruits, one for pasture, one for food crops, plus backyard poultry or piggery, and fish farming for wetland communities.
He further committed to strengthening existing programmes such as PDM and Emyooga, and announced new funds dedicated to leaders, ghettos, boda bodas, unemployed graduates, and religious and cultural institutions.
The state cannot employ 50 million Ugandans
The President addressed widespread misconceptions about employment, stating plainly that government jobs cannot support Uganda’s growing population.
“You cannot talk of jobs without talking of wealth. Jobs come from commercial agriculture, factories, services, and ICT,” he said.
He explained that the government currently employs about 480,000 people, while Uganda’s population stands at 50 million, making state employment insufficient.
“The government cannot employ 50 million Ugandans,” Museveni emphasised. “The new factories across the country have already created 1.3 million jobs—nearly three times more than the public sector.”
He cited Mbale Industrial Park, which hosts over 75 factories, as a prime example of private-sector job creation.
Museveni also encouraged Isingiro’s banana farmers to adopt modern agriculture and irrigation, noting the district’s strong banana market and potential for increased productivity.
The President officially handed NRM party flags to district candidates—from MPs to LC V chairpersons—endorsing them for the upcoming elections.
