Kampala, Uganda: President Museveni has unveiled a six-point programme centered on wealth creation, education, healthcare, anti-corruption, infrastructure, and national security as he eyes another term (the seventh), which will see him extend his rule over Uganda to more than 40 years.
Addressing thousands of jubilant supporters at Kololo Independence Grounds moments after his official nomination as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential flag bearer for the 2026 elections, Mr Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, announced that unemployed graduates who fail to secure jobs two years after completing their studies will each receive startup capital of Shs2 million to begin wealth-creating ventures.
The President further pledged an additional Shs15 million into the Parish Development Model (PDM) treasury to specifically support parish leaders, ensuring they too benefit from government wealth creation initiatives.
Funds for Ghetto Youths, and Institutions
The President outlined new and expanded funds tailored to different social groups, including a strengthened ghetto youth fund and wider skilling programs in all 171 districts and municipalities. He also revealed plans to create special financial facilities for religious and cultural institutions to bolster their development work.
“We shall create funds for each respective group to ensure nobody is left behind,” Museveni declared, urging all Ugandans to embrace the money economy as wealth creators, either as owners or workers.
The First Lady and Minister of Education, Maama Janet Museveni, highlighted the expansion of education since 1986, noting an increase from 6,880 to 12,549 primary schools and from 454 to 1,400 secondary schools. “We had 454 secondary schools in 1986, but now we have 1,400 secondary schools today,” she added, urging Ugandans to give Museveni another term to complete unfinished plans in education.
Former Prime Minister, Rt Hon Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, who nominated Museveni, praised his legacy of liberation, peace, and socio-economic transformation, citing a drop in infant mortality from 120 per 1,000 in 1986 to about 25 today.
On the other hand, former opposition NUP Youth leader, Ms Charity Lenia, who is now the NRM flag bearer for Vvura County, seconded Museveni’s nomination, urging fellow youth to support him for championing women’s emancipation and youth empowerment.
The Tuesday nomination rally drew party leaders, cultural and religious representatives, and citizens from across Uganda in a massive show of support. Museveni thanked those who endorsed his nomination papers and hailed the “strength of the NRM family” as evidence of Uganda’s steady progress.
NRM leaders, including Al-Hajji Moses Kigongo, Speaker Anita Among, SG Richard Todwong, and Deputy SG Rose Namayanja, rallied the public to back Museveni and shun independents.
As chants of “Jajja wa’Bazzukulu” swept across Kololo, Museveni assured supporters that his manifesto will unveil detailed strategies to sustain economic growth, empower households, and consolidate the country’s transformation.
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