President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer for the 2026 general elections, has strongly rejected claims that the ruling party has neglected Buganda, insisting that the region’s development is a direct result of the peace and stability ushered in by the NRM government.
Addressing thousands of supporters at a campaign rally held at Kitebi Primary School playgrounds in Rubaga Division, President Museveni—accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni—said sustainable development could not have been achieved without peace.
“When NRM brought peace, development followed,” Museveni said, pointing to the emergence of shopping malls and improved infrastructure in Rubaga. He emphasized that the government’s long-standing goal has been to ensure prosperity for all Ugandans through deliberate wealth-creation programmes.
He traced this vision from the Entandikwa initiative launched in 1997, through NAADS and Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), to the current Parish Development Model (PDM), which channels funds through parish SACCOs managed by locally selected committees.
Responding to complaints that some residents have not accessed PDM funds, the President urged citizens to hold their local leaders accountable. “You choose the SACCO committees. If the money is not reaching you, report those responsible. It is easy to trace them,” he said, noting that government funds sometimes stall due to mismanagement at lower levels.
Museveni also weighed in on concerns about local leadership in Rubaga, stressing that voters must take responsibility for the leaders they elect. “I did not choose your MP—you did. If there are problems, reflect on your choices,” he said, using a Munyankole proverb to underline the point.
On compensation matters, the President assured residents affected by the construction of Nateete Market that those who vacated the land would be duly compensated, reaffirming the government’s commitment to fairness and dialogue.
Turning to industrialisation and job creation, Museveni highlighted the growth of industrial parks such as Mbale, Kapeka, Namanve, and Kawempe–Matugga, noting that many of these facilities are located in and around Kampala. “These factories are here, not in my village. They are creating jobs for Ugandans,” he said.
The First Lady, Maama Janet Museveni, thanked religious leaders for their continued prayers, saying spiritual guidance has been instrumental in Uganda’s healing and nation-building journey. She extended New Year greetings and wished the country a peaceful and successful election season.
Reflecting on the large turnouts at NRM rallies nationwide, she described them as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and Uganda’s progress from a troubled past. Drawing on biblical imagery, she urged Ugandans to remain united, remember their history, and continue building a nation that future generations will be proud of.
She also called on voters to support the NRM, describing its vision as a clear pathway to long-term stability and prosperity.
NRM First National Vice Chairperson, Alhajji Moses Kigongo, thanked Rubaga residents for their strong turnout, interpreting it as a sign of continued confidence in the party’s leadership.
He appealed for loyalty, patriotism, and peaceful conduct throughout the electoral process, emphasizing integrity as a cornerstone of national progress.
Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second National Vice Chairperson, Rt. Hon. Anita Among, called for targeted interventions to strengthen wealth creation, youth empowerment, and urban livelihoods in Rubaga.
She urged government to further streamline the PDM to ensure young people and women benefit more directly, and raised concerns over congestion at Kasubi Market, calling for its expansion. She also stressed the importance of skilling programmes and startup support to enable youth to become job creators.
NRM Chairperson for Rubaga Division, Mr. Ivan Semakula Majjambere Kamuntu, praised President Museveni for what he described as visible, people-centred development in Kampala. He cited improved road infrastructure, support to Kitebi Secondary School, and the redevelopment of Busega and Kasubi markets as tangible achievements that have boosted livelihoods and restored dignity to the area.
He also noted Rubaga’s unique role as a hub of religious and political diversity, reflecting Uganda’s broader unity and stability.
The rally was attended by senior NRM Central Executive Committee members, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, and thousands of supporters, underscoring Rubaga’s significance in the party’s 2026 campaign strategy.
