By Jumah Kakomo and Kabuye Ronald
Uganda’s President-Elect, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has said his decisive 71 percent victory in the 2026 presidential election reflects a nationwide resurgence of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), while cautioning opposition actors against what he described as subversive and violent schemes.
In his first national address since being declared President-Elect by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), delivered at his residence in Rwakitura, Kiruhura District, Museveni said the NRM successfully galvanized support across the country, emerging victorious at both presidential and parliamentary levels.
The President commended the security forces, religious and cultural leaders, and the general population for their role in ensuring a peaceful electoral process. He emphasized that stability and discipline were critical to safeguarding Uganda’s democratic gains.
Museveni called for investigations into the low turnout among NRM supporters, noting that while the party has an estimated 18 million registered members, only about eight million participated in the vote. He said understanding the reasons behind the non-participation of nearly 10 million supporters would be key to strengthening future mobilization.
Turning to security concerns, Museveni urged the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda to engage opposition politicians and advise them against actions he said were aimed at destabilizing the country. He cited reports of panga-wielding gangs in Butambala and other parts of the country, which he alleged were linked to opposition elements.
The President specifically accused politicians from the National Unity Platform (NUP) of deliberately organizing gangs to terrorize communities that rejected them at the polls. He warned that such actions would not be tolerated, stressing that Uganda’s peace had been hard-won and must be protected.
Museveni reiterated that the NRM, with the support of the population, restored peace to Uganda and would not allow anyone to undermine the country’s unity, security, and development.
Looking ahead to his new term, the President outlined key priority areas, including poverty alleviation for the 30 percent of households still living in subsistence conditions, expanded macro- and micro-financial support programs, free universal education in all government schools, and improvements in health services—particularly curative care.
Other priorities include the fight against corruption, strengthening the administration of justice within the court system, and large-scale investments in road infrastructure. Museveni also highlighted plans to improve water distribution for both domestic use and production, with a goal of achieving excellence in public service delivery by 2031.
He further noted that Uganda would continue to pursue regional economic integration, including the full realization of free-trade protocols within the East African Community.
On the oil and gas sector, Museveni assured Ugandans of prudent management of oil revenues and confirmed that the country’s first oil sales are planned for this year.
First Lady Maama Janet Kataha Museveni commended the NRM fraternity for its contribution to Museveni’s 2026 victory and called on Ugandans to remain united in pursuit of national development and socio-economic transformation.
NRM First National Vice Chairperson Alhaji Moses Kigongo formally presented the IEC certificate confirming Museveni’s victory and commended opposition parties for participating in the elections, saying they had benefited from the democratic space established by the NRM government.
NRM Second National Vice Chairperson (Female) Anita Among highlighted voting patterns that underscored the breadth of Museveni’s support across the country.
Vice President Jessica Alupo said the outcome of both presidential and parliamentary elections reflected national unity and appreciation of the NRM government’s achievements, praising voters for entrusting Museveni with another term.
NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong concluded by emphasizing the party’s strategic vision for Uganda as it moves into the next phase of governance and development.
