Kampala, Uganda: The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has officially unveiled the presidential portrait of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, along with the campaign theme that will drive the party into the 2026–2031 political term.
The ceremony, held at the NRM Secretariat in Kyadondo on Tuesday, August 19, was presided over by the First National Vice Chairperson Alhajj Moses Kigongo who represented the National Chairman H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, along with the First Vice Chairperson (Female) Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, and the Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong.
Speaking to the NRM district chairpersons, SG Todwong, the new campaign theme is: “Protecting the Gains as We Make a Qualitative Leap into High Middle Income Status.”
Tracing the party’s thematic journey since 1986, Todwong said each election cycle has been anchored on a progressive vision, from “Tackling the Tasks Ahead” in the 1990s, to “Prosperity for All,” to the current 2021-2026 theme of “Securing Your Future.”
“Today, we are speaking to the theme that we are going to launch, which is protecting the gains as we make a qualitative leap into a high middle income status,” Todwong explained. “By all records and standards, Uganda is the most highly independent economy, growing at a rate of 7% per annum, with a GDP production rate of $45 billion. That qualifies us to be in the middle-income status.”
He urged party structures to “accept and reuse” the theme as the official mobilization message ahead of the 2026–2031 general elections.
Namyalo: “TovaKuMain to Protecting the Gains”
Speaking at the same function, Senior Presidential Advisor and ONC Manager Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye traced her office’s mobilization journey in ensuring Museveni remains on the ballot, crediting the grassroots power of transformative slogans.
“We started with TovaKuMain, which the people owned as their slogan. We declared Jajja Omalako Sigala Ku Ballot to silence the transition talk, and indeed it was His Excellency himself who later recognized our work during his official nomination saying the Bazzukulu commanded him to stand again,” Namyalo said.
The ONC Boss hailed President Museveni for championing socioeconomic transformation through wealth creation programs, a message reflected in initiatives such as Emyooga, the Parish Development Model, and the new GROW funds.
“The President has always given us slogans that are not empty. They speak directly to the lives of Ugandans. Securing Your Future has been about empowering households, creating jobs, and ensuring every Muzzukulu can participate in wealth creation,” Namyalo noted.
As Chief Muzzukulu, Namyalo rallied the youth to rally behind Museveni in the new political season. “The Bazzukulu have a role to play. In your homes, in your schools, in your SACCOs and PDM groups, stand firm behind Jajja Kaguta Museveni as we protect our gains under the 2026–2031 slogan.”
Kigongo: “We Must Be United”
Alhajj Moses Kigongo emphasized unity and discipline within the party as the campaign season kicks off.
“We have opened up a new chapter. We are here to renew our mandate so that our chairman becomes president of this country for the next five years,” Kigongo said. “But are we together, or are we divided? If we are not together, then this movement, oye, will not be there.”
The veteran leader urged cadres to return to the “NRA methods of work” — persuasion rather than coercion — and cautioned against internal divisions driven by “money and egos.”
What This Means for 2026
The unveiling of Museveni’s portrait and campaign theme formally signals the start of NRM’s election roadmap for 2026. It comes against a backdrop of legal petitions against some youth MP candidates, internal party primaries, and growing opposition mobilization.
Political analysts say the emphasis on “protecting gains” suggests NRM will campaign on its record of economic growth, infrastructure expansion, and stability, while promising a “qualitative leap” into upper-middle-income status.
The portrait itself, now officially adopted, will be used nationwide in campaign posters, banners, and rallies, symbolizing Museveni’s intent to extend his rule into a seventh full term (2026–2031).
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