PRESIDENT MUSEVENI IMPLORES BUSOGA TO SHUN DISUNITY, POLITICS OF IDENTITY

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has cautioned the people of Busoga against disunity and politics of identity, explaining that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) doesn't believe in such, that's why it came up with the four core principles; Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-economic Transformation and democracy. President Museveni made the appeal on Friday 26 September 2025 while meeting leaders, mobilizers, government officials, religious leaders, informal sector groups and the private sector from Busoga Sub-region at State Lodge Nakasero, Kampala led by Haj. Faruk Kirunda whom the President commended for serving government diligently and the people of Uganda without discrimination in tribe and religion. “This is what leaders are supposed to do and not to divide the people or to promote sectarianism, the President advised”. The President also reiterated that, in Busoga, the government has set up several infrastructures such as good roads and factories to steer development in the sub-region. “It's not true for some people to say that the NRM government has done nothing for Busoga. Many factories have been set up in the subregion in areas like Jinja, Njeru and Masese with the purpose of development,” he said. “Many new roads have been worked on, and the old ones have been or are being rehabilitated like the Jinja-Kamuli road, Musita-Mayuge-Busia Road, Iganga-Mbale, among other roads.” President Museveni assured them that the road from Iganga-Luuka-Kamuli is going to be tarmacked as well as that from Kimaka-Mbulamuti-Kamuli. He also tasked the leaders to sensitize their people to utilize the funds from government empowerment programs well in order to fight poverty. “The government has injected a lot of funds in programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga and SACCOs, among other initiatives. These programs will continue running and the leaders should audit performance of these programs,” he said. “Therefore, you should use this opportunity from the government and work to uplift your lives.” On the issue of electricity, the President said that many households across Busoga have been able to get connected and this is due to the fact the government has been able to set up additional power dams, apart from the Owen Falls Dam and to expand the National grid to all the regions in the country. On the other hand, President Museveni appealed to the people of Busoga to support the NRM and all its candidates in the forthcoming general elections for more development. During the meeting, Ms. Namutamba Resty withdrew from the Luuka Woman Member of Parliament race in favor of Ms. Nabirye Annet, the NRM flag bearer. Also, Haji Jafari Basajabalaba withdrew from the LC 5 race of Bushenyi District in favor of the NRM flag bearer, Tumwebaze Prosper. The President commended them for accepting to withdraw from the race in favor of the flag bearers saying that this is in line with the NRM principles. “Vote for leaders who promote unity amongst our people but not divisionism,” the President said. President Museveni tasked religious leaders who attended the meeting to spread the gospel of peace and unity among believers. He said the peace that was brought by the NRM government, was paramount in the country and Ugandans needed to preserve it in all ways possible. “This peace we are talking about was brought by the NRM after the liberation struggle where even some people in Busoga were part. We fought to bring stability in our country, and I urge you to sensitize our people, especially the youth, to desist from activities that may cause instability in our country,” he noted before wishing them a peaceful election. President Museveni further thanked the Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilization, Haji Faruk Kirunda who coordinated the meeting, for mobilizing and promoting unity among the people in the various areas of the country. The Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda thanked the President for sparing some time off his busy schedule to meet the group. On his part, Haji Kirunda informed the President that this delegation from Busoga will work collectively to ensure that the sub sub-region develops and is stable. He also assured the informal sector and vendors that the government will support them so that they are able to fight poverty and create wealth through presidential initiatives under State House. The religious leaders pledged to work with the President and the NRM government and assured him that they will mobilize the faithful to desist from the politics of identity but rather take keen interest in embracing government's poverty alleviation programs. The Busoga religious leaders under their umbrella of the Inter-religious Council though Bishop Naimanhye Paul Mukembo, thanked President Museveni for hosting them and assured him that the clergy is with him for the development and peace of Uganda. He said the prevailing peace and freedom in the country is the reason why they are able to freely worship anytime they want. Bishop Mukembo also noted that as religious leaders they will be visiting rivaling politicians in the sub-region with the purpose of reconciliation. Among the Bishops who attended were Archbishop Emmanuel Obbo from Tororo, Bishop Munene Edward from the Born-Again Faith in Busoga, Bishop Dr. Naimanhe Mukembo from Busoga Diocese, Bishop Suubi Hannington from Busoga East Diocese, Bishop Dr. Kajura Jimmy from SDA Busoga Field, Vicar General Benedict Wakabi from Jinja Diocese, Sheik Bowa Muhamad Hussein the Regional Mufti, Rev. Canon Dikange Lazarus representing Central Busoga; Hon. Daudi Migereko representing Elders and Owek. Richard Mafumo the Head of Busoga Clans, among others.

2025-09-29

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI LAUNCHES NRM MANIFESTO 2026–2031, CALLS FOR PROTECTION OF GAINS AND DRIVING UGANDA TO HIGH MIDDLE-INCOME STATUS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who is also the National Chairman of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), has today officially launched the party’s manifesto for the 2026–2031 term. At a grand ceremony hosted at Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort Hotel which drew Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, senior NRM officials, party secretariat leaders, under the theme: “Protecting the Gains and Securing a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status”, President Museveni retraced the NRM’s 60-year historical struggle while also laying out ambitious commitments for the next five years. President Museveni expressed gratitude to the NRM delegates for once again entrusting him with leadership. He noted that the party had not only re-elected him as National Chairman for the 2025–2031 term but also nominated him as the flag bearer for the 2026 elections. “I want to thank you for supporting my candidature, first of all, electing me Chairman of the NRM again for another five years, 2025 to 2031, and then also electing me as flag bearer,” H.E. Museveni said, reminding the gathering that the NRM’s role in Uganda’s liberation stretches back decades. He described the liberation struggle between 1965 and 1986 as a decisive period when NRM leaders risked all to free the country from dictatorship and chaos. The President declared that the NRM’s most important gift to Uganda has been peace and security, which has been assured largely by the people of Uganda—the wanainchi—and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). “Our army is very strong. Nobody can bring war here. If you bring war here, we will destroy you,” he stated firmly, drawing applause. President Museveni also cautioned that peace must be distinguished from security. He acknowledged that crime, particularly theft, continues to frustrate citizens and undermine the government’s development programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM). “People get money for PDM. They buy pigs, goats, chicken—they are stolen. And you find the policemen colluding with the thieves. The judiciary releases them. You leaders should not accept this in your areas,” President Museveni warned. He urged leaders to enforce discipline and reject any culture of leniency towards crime. “Any thief who steals properties of the villages must go to jail and stay there and pay for what he has stolen before he comes out. Be very strict—don’t play around.” Beyond peace and security, President Museveni highlighted three pillars of Uganda’s transformation; development, infrastructure, and wealth creation. He explained that development covers both economic and social infrastructure: roads, electricity, schools, hospitals, and ICT. Wealth creation, however, remains the key to consolidating the NRM’s legacy. “You, the leaders, should really know that to strengthen the NRM more and durably, you must do what we in the student movement did in the 1960s when we started the campaign in the cattle corridor,” President recalled. He narrated how the cattle corridor, once plagued by nomadism and poverty, was transformed through dairy farming campaigns into a prosperous region. “Despite infrastructure challenges, regions like Ngoma and Matongo are now prosperous, with residents owning cars and having money,” H.E. Museveni said. With 40 million acres of arable land, he stressed that Uganda has the capacity to create over 105 million jobs if even 7 million acres are properly utilized. “There will be so many jobs that even refugees in the camps will get out and work,” he quipped. On the matter of employment, President Museveni criticized the outflow of Ugandans to the Middle East in search of jobs. He insisted that Uganda has enough opportunities if productivity is maximized. “People going to the Middle East to look for jobs—what are you going to look for? The Middle East should be coming here to work. You leave jobs here, you go to work in the Middle East,” he remarked, provoking laughter and nods among delegates. The President also highlighted Uganda’s scientific innovations, especially in health. He said that Ugandan scientists have developed medicines for cancer, diabetes, malaria, and other global diseases. “Our people have discovered medicines; we are going to save the world from so many problems,” he said, framing science and innovation as another frontier of Uganda’s transformation. The NRM First National Vice Chairperson, Al-Haji Moses Kigongo, thanked President Museveni for accepting to run again for Presidency and assured him of victory in the 2026 elections. “We are ready. The country is ready. And I can assure Your Excellency that we are going to win the election,” Alhaji Kigongo said. He however cautioned party members against indiscipline and infighting. “If we don’t pull up on discipline, things might be difficult for us. I appeal to you, honorable members, first of all, to love one another. Let us work together. This infighting must stop and stop now. Let us move together as one group,” he urged. The Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second National Vice Chairperson Rt. Hon. Anita Among praised President Museveni’s visionary leadership and consistency, saying the NRM’s evolution from the 10-Point Programme has been deliberate and transformative. “It is now time for us to protect the gains we have registered in the transformation of our beloved country,” she emphasized. The NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong explained that the 2026–2031 manifesto, themed “Protecting the Gains as We Make a Qualitative Leap into Higher Middle-Income Status”, builds systematically on past manifestos. Reflecting on the party’s history, Rt. Hon. Todwong reminded members that NRM manifestos have evolved consistently since 1986, beginning with the famous 10-Point Programme that emphasized democracy, security, national unity, elimination of sectarianism, economic independence, and social services restoration. From “Tackling the Tasks Ahead” in 1996, to “Prosperity for All” in 2006, “Peace, Unity and Transformation for Prosperity” in 2011, “Steady Progress” in 2016, and “Securing Your Future” in 2021, the NRM has maintained consistency, he argued. “The size of the economy has doubled in spite of global shocks such as COVID-19 and disruption in external markets,” Rt. Hon. Todwong said, projecting that by the end of FY 2025/26, Uganda’s economy will expand to Shs. 254.2 trillion ($66.1 billion). He dedicated significant time to highlighting achievements from the outgoing 2021–2026 manifesto, which carried the theme “Securing Your Future.” He said: Poverty levels declined from 21.4% in 2016 to 16.1% in 2025, Jobs rose from 258,286 in 2020/21 to 345,039 by 2025, recovering from COVID-19 disruptions and the Ugandan Shilling remained the most stable currency in Africa in 2024/25. He added that factories increased to 50,000, up from 37,559 in 2019/20, export earnings reached $13.3 billion in 2024/25, driven by coffee, gold, dairy, cocoa, and manufactured goods and electricity generation rose to 2,051 MW in 2024, powered by Karuma and Isimba hydropower plants. About health, Rt. Hon. Todwong said life expectancy improved to 68 years from 45 in 1986; maternal and infant mortality drastically declined and UPE and USE boosted school enrollment to 9.1 million learners by 2025, while literacy rates rose to 74%. “These are not just numbers—they are lives transformed,” he said. Looking ahead, Rt. Hon. Todwong outlined the core themes of the new manifesto. He also announced that PDM funding for Greater Kampala Metropolitan will rise to Shs. 300 million per parish, with special grants for persons with disabilities, village leaders, and religious leaders. On education, Rt. Hon. Todwong pledged curriculum reforms to focus on job creators, recruitment of 49,406 new teachers, and progressive salary enhancement for civil servants, including arts teachers. On governance, he reiterated zero tolerance to corruption, decentralization, land reforms, and stronger security guarantees. Regionally, NRM committed to supporting East African political federation, a single currency, and the elimination of non-tariff barriers.

2025-09-29

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI GRACES YOWERI MUSIC ALBUM LAUNCH

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, in the company of the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, yesterday presided over the launch of the Yoweri Music Album at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala. The event was organized by the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF) under the leadership of Edrisa Musuza, popularly known as Eddy Kenzo. President Museveni thanked Eddy Kenzo and Minister of State for Mineral Development, Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro for organizing the creative industry, noting that while the government may not do everything, it can contribute to its growth. He expressed delight at the diversity of the album, which features songs in different indigenous languages representing all regions of Uganda. He explained that when the NRM government took power, it began with basics like health and peace, adding that the creative industry is now thriving because of the stability and good health care the government has ensured. He stressed that the sector had not been forgotten, but rather, with things stabilized, the government is now ready to fully support it. “I am happy for the indigenous songs; the music is very good, I like it. This is a gold mine, and I shall support it,” President Museveni said. He further assured the musicians that the government would enhance its support to the creative industry after the elections. “We shall support you, even if you want 20 or 30 billion, as long as it is a one-time investment,” he noted. In his remarks, Eddy Kenzo expressed gratitude to the President for honoring their invitation, saying the album was prepared as a gesture of appreciation. He acknowledged that the creative industry cannot thrive without peace, which he credited President Museveni for ensuring. Kenzo also hailed the President as “the most hardworking human being I have ever seen,” praising his relentless efforts in holding meetings and driving transformation to guarantee peace and stability in Uganda. Reflecting on his personal journey, Kenzo thanked the President for giving all Ugandans a platform to shine, noting that even as a former street child with little formal education, he has been able to build a successful career from his talent. He further assured the President that the support extended to the Uganda National Musicians Federation has been put to good use. He explained that the funds helped establish regional studios, build common user facilities, and strengthen their SACCO, ensuring that musicians across the country benefit. The album launch was attended by cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, music promoters, comedians, artists, and other key stakeholders in the creative industry.

2025-09-28

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI, SCIENTISTS DISCUSS PROGRESS IN TRANSFORMING UGANDA INTO A SCIENCE-LED ECONOMY

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today met a team of scientists and members of the innovation support ecosystem, led by Dr. Monica Musenero, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, at State House Entebbe. The scientists briefed the President on progress towards the National Resistance Movement (NRM)’s vision of transforming Uganda into a science-led modern economy. They highlighted achievements in the manufacturing of electric vehicles, production of diagnostic kits, standardization of natural medicines, and innovations in machine-building technologies. President Museveni commended the scientists for “finally waking up” to their role in national transformation, assuring them of continued government support for their efforts. On the issue of human capital, the President urged them to move beyond blaming colonialism, emphasizing that Uganda must harness its traditional knowledge, mechanize it, and standardize it in order to create wealth and prosperity. Dr. Musenero thanked the President for his consistent support to science, technology and innovation, noting that her team is on the right track in embracing a science-led approach to development.

2025-09-27

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI COMMISSIONS KIIRA VEHICLE PLANT

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni yesterday commissioned the Kiira Vehicle Plant in Jinja. The plant is the largest vehicle facility in Africa with a comprehensive motor vehicle production process. Kiira Vehicle manufacturing plant construction started in 2019 up to 2024 when all vehicle production systems were fully installed and manufacturing started in March 2025 by Kiira Motors Corporation with an initial investment of USD 120 million. During the commissioning‎, President Museveni revealed how immense scientific innovations like Vehicle Manufacturing Plant was contributing to the national economic growth of Uganda, saying it employs hundreds of Ugandan engineers and it's posed to save the country USD 800 million from car imports and. He also highlighted its positive impact on the country's balance of trade deficit on vehicles. “These young people I found in the factory have jobs, where would they be working if we didn’t have kiira?” he inquired. President Museveni further revealed how the government intends to expedite iron ore exploration in districts with iron ore deposits to avail high quality steel needed by the Kiira Vehicle Manufacturing Plant and other factories to reduce the USD 900 million spent annually on importation of steel. “We have got some steel factories using scrap, but scrap isn’t good enough for this type of work, therefore it’s these new factories that we are building now that are purifying our iron ore into high quality steel which is needed here. Uganda is fortunate to have some of the biggest iron ore in the world in Kabale and Butogota,” he said. “For the first time the transport sector is beginning to be integrated in the form of the Kiira vehicle plant. This is what is beginning to happen. If we do it successfully, we shall save USD800 million from steel alone.” Additionally, President Museveni rallied Uganda scientists and leaders to focus on production for more sectors of the economy to address the huge hemorrhage of funds into importation. He explained that different sectors of the economy require complementary local production lines of their inputs that he described as vertical and horizontal economic integration needed for Uganda and Africa at large to thrive. ‎He reminded Africans to regain their self-confidence, focus on mechanisation, citing the example of the transformation of the dairy industry, a similar approach needed to produce lithium batteries and other products required for full economic integration.‎ On the other hand, President Museveni confirmed Uganda's invention of diabetes, cancer and malaria cure, among other massive innovations and tasked scientists to venture into traditional solutions and modify them. He also warned Africans of stagnation due to their failure to comprehend and embrace the political economy that governs the evolution of society that includes science and innovation. ‎The Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Monica Musenero affirmed the readiness of Uganda's knowledge economy to feed into the qualitative leap by venturing in more value chains. Minister Musenero explained that Uganda's missed 3 phases of the industrial revolution are promptly being covered up through the exponential knowledge economy innovations like Kiira Vehicle Manufacturing Plant and others. ‎‎Makerere University Council Chairperson, Ms. Ronah Magara emphasized the need to enhance collaboration between the academia and policy makers to aid the actualisation of research innovations. She noted that innovations like the Kiira Electric Vehicles began at Makerere University as a research prototype, but the visionary leadership of President Museveni nurtured the idea to the level of seeing the project's success as the maiden local vehicle manufacturing plant in Uganda Ms. Magara requested the President to consider increasing the University research and innovations funds to cover more projects. The National Enterprise Corporation board chairperson Gen. (Rtd) Joram Mugume commended the government for entrusting the army's engineering department to construct the vehicle manufacturing plant which is a proper local content sourcing strategy. Mr. ‎Paul Isaac Musasizi, the Kiira Motors Corporation Chief Executive Officer revealed how the government's direct investment into the automobile industry will expedite the attainment of the 10-fold growth strategy. Mr. Musasizi said Kiira Motors Corporation is now focusing on rolling out a robust business model as they produce quality vehicles that meet the required standards. He explained how the company is aiming to establish a robust industrial value chain for all vehicle inputs. ‎Kiira Motors Cooperation has so far produced 37 electric vehicles and 27 Diesel coaches. It has a production prospect of 2,500 vehicles in the medium term, 5,000 in the long term and 10,000 annual productions by 2030.

2025-09-26

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI URGES NEW ISO RECRUITS TO UPHOLD PATRIOTISM, PAN-AFRICANISM IN SERVICE

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged newly trained recruits of the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) to uphold patriotism, Pan-Africanism, and ideological clarity as they embark on their careers in safeguarding Uganda’s sovereignty. He made the remarks yesterday while delivering a lecture of opportunity to 312 ISO trainees at State House, Entebbe. The trainees have been undergoing comprehensive training. The training covered areas such as core intelligence, counterintelligence, counterterrorism, political ideology, Musevenomics as well as media and intelligence studies. “I am sure your trainers have already spoken to you about some of these issues, but there is no harm in repeating them. When you are in the security or defense forces, the first question is: what are you defending, and what are you defending against?” he said. The President reflected on Uganda’s history, observing that the mission of the country’s security forces was not clearly defined at independence, having been created by colonialists to maintain their rule. “Their mission was to maintain colonialism and suppress our thirst for independence. When independence came, the same force was simply handed over to the new government without redefining its mission. That is why we, the student movements of the 1960s, had to take a new path,” President Museveni said. He pointed out that identity politics further crippled post-independence Uganda. “Old parties focused on identity politics. The Democratic Party was mainly for Catholics, the Uganda People’s Congress for Protestants and some Muslims, and Kabaka Yekka for Baganda and some Muslims. For us, we rejected this approach and instead focused on the needs of the people. Our aim was to create prosperity, not to cater for tribal or religious identities,” he explained. The President emphasized the NRM’s four ideological principles of patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy which are framed within the three historical missions of prosperity, strategic security, and African brotherhood. “Our number one priority is patriotism and the spirit of Uganda. Prosperity comes from every adult producing goods or services, not from begging or relying on others. That is why Pan-Africanism is crucial. Africa can support our prosperity far better than Uganda alone,” the President stressed. President Museveni reminded the recruits that Uganda’s survival and success depend on regional integration. “We must ensure that never again will Africa’s existence depend on the permission of others. Economic and political integration is the correct answer to the question of prosperity and strategic security,” he said. President Museveni concluded by urging the new officers to maintain conviction and discipline as guiding values. “By 1986, we had a force of 20,000 NRA fighters backed by millions of civilians, propelled not by mercenary interests but by conviction. I urge you to maintain that spirit. I congratulate you and wish you good luck,” he said. Tackle Sabotage of Government Programs: The Minister of Security, Hon. Jim Muhwezi, commended the President for personally guiding the recruits and congratulated the ISO leadership for preparing a well-equipped new generation of officers. “Let me begin by thanking you, Your Excellency, for sparing time in your very busy schedule to lecture your trainees,” Hon. Muhwezi said. “I also thank and congratulate the Director General of ISO and your staff for equipping this new force with tools that will help our country. This new blood is coming in at a critical time when Uganda is transforming from a poor country to a middle-income country.” The minister warned that the biggest threat Uganda faces today is the sabotage of government programs by corrupt actors. “Programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM), Universal Primary Education (UPE), and others are being undermined. In the case of PDM, some parish chiefs are stealing money that the government has given to help people engage in commercial activities. In UPE, many children start school but very few finish Primary Seven because some teachers and school officers impose illegal charges. This is criminal because the government pays for these children, they are not supposed to be charged,” he highlighted. Hon. Muhwezi urged ISO to decisively address this sabotage. “Once ISO deals with this problem, I believe the country will move forward,” he said. Hon. Muhwezi reminded the recruits of the unique opportunity they had to interact directly with President Museveni. “As you have seen on television, His Excellency lectures officers all over the world and the continent. For you, doing basic military intelligence and being able to meet him in person, you are very lucky indeed. Take this as a foundation for your journey of service to the nation.” ISO Director General, Mr. Arthur Mugyenyi said this new generation of officers represented the future of Uganda’s security. “This intake was carefully selected from 945 potential recruits through a transparent process. Out of these, 312 trainees qualified 207 males and 105 females. They are polished cadres, with bachelor’s, master’s, and diploma qualifications across different fields. We are confident that this new blood will bring professionalism, integrity, and fresh energy into the organisation,” Mr. Mugyenyi said. He revealed that the training had gone beyond tactical skills to include ideological grounding, in line with the President’s philosophy of patriotism and Pan-Africanism. “We have emphasized core-intelligence, counterintelligence, counterterrorism, political ideology, Musevenomics, as well as media and intelligence. The idea is to equip these new officers not only with technical skills but also with a solid ideological foundation to defend and transform the country.” He also disclosed that ISO is working towards establishing a permanent training facility in Nakasongola to sustain and standardize future programs. The new officers are expected to be deployed immediately after their pass-out parade on October 17, 2025, with their first task being to reinforce the protection of Uganda’s sovereignty and ensure that government programs are delivered as intended.

2025-09-25