Pallisa, Uganda: President Yoweri Museveni on Wednesday launched his “Protecting the Gains” campaign in the Bukedi sub-region, rallying thousands of supporters in Pallisa and Butebo districts as he outlined his vision for the 2026–2031 term under the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Addressing his first rally at Kameke Primary School grounds in Pallisa, President Museveni emphasized environmental conservation, youth empowerment, and service delivery, calling for a shift from wetland rice growing to fish farming as part of government’s broader wealth creation plan.
“We agreed that the misuse of wetlands must stop. Instead, we shall convert rice growers in these areas into fish farmers,” the President said. “Government will dig standard ponds as part of a massive wealth and job creation plan. We have already seen success at Limoto Wetland here in Pallisa.”
Museveni, who was received by jubilant crowds clad in yellow, reaffirmed government’s commitment to expanding jobs through commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT, noting that Uganda’s economic growth must be anchored on productivity and value addition.
He also pledged to upgrade more health centres and schools in the sub-region, building on the 76 government primary and 9 secondary schools already operational in Pallisa District.
On the Parish Development Model (PDM), the President reiterated that funds must reach the intended beneficiaries, with clear allocations for special interest groups.
“PDM funds must go to the right people — 30 percent for youths, 30 percent for women, and 10 percent for persons with disabilities. Anyone diverting these funds will be held accountable,” he warned.
Museveni Takes Campaign to Butebo
Later in the afternoon, President Museveni addressed another massive rally in Butebo District, where he presented the NRM Manifesto for 2026–2031 and pledged infrastructure improvements to support the district’s growing population.
He praised the residents for maintaining their roads and promised to prioritize the long-awaited Pallisa–Butebo–Nakaloke tarmac road, noting that good roads reflect good leadership.
“I was glad to be with them today as we presented the NRM Manifesto,” Museveni said. “Butebo still has no tarmac road. We shall work on the Pallisa–Butebo–Nakaloke road. The Nabukhaya–Nambola–Nametsimeri–Sahana–Khamitsaru bridge is under construction, and other key roads are funded.”
The President further addressed the restocking programme, saying that Butebo and parts of Pallisa, which were previously affected by cattle rustling, deserve to benefit, but only through fair and transparent targeting.
“It is right that they benefit from the restocking programme, but we must be truthful so that only the genuine sub-counties benefit,” he cautioned.
The rallies, which attracted thousands of enthusiastic supporters waving NRM flags and dressed in yellow, marked the official start of Museveni’s campaign trail in eastern Uganda under the ‘Protecting the Gains’ theme, highlighting peace, stability, and socio-economic transformation achieved under the NRM government.
The President will on Thursday continue his Bukedi campaign trail with rallies in Budaka and Kibuku districts as he continues to preach the gospel of NRM gains in 40 years to woo voters for a 7th term in the presidency seat.
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