The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential candidate, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has reaffirmed that the NRM is a serious and results-oriented political organization, urging young people to understand the values that define the party.
Speaking during a campaign rally at Kagulu Primary School grounds in Buyende District, President Museveni described the NRM as a party built on hard work, discipline, and commitment to national transformation.
“When you support the NRM, first understand why previous governments failed to maintain peace and why many countries around the world still struggle to attain it. That knowledge will help you appreciate the value of the NRM,” he told the gathering.
Museveni highlighted how the NRM government has, over the past four decades, defeated various forms of insecurity, including cattle rustling, which once destabilized families across Eastern Uganda.
He emphasized that sustained peace remains one of the NRM’s greatest contributions to the nation.
He reiterated that the NRM’s politics are rooted in interests and practical solutions, not identity. By focusing on what individuals can do, Museveni said, the party has built a strong political organization and reinforced the functioning of state institutions.
Development Commitments for Buyende
The NRM candidate outlined several development plans for Buyende District, confirming that construction of the Mbulamuti–Kamuli–Bukungu road will begin soon. He also disclosed that the Kumuli–Kagulu–Yingo road has been included in the upcoming Fourth National Development Plan (NDP4).
Museveni further addressed the issue of uneven distribution of government primary schools in Buyende. Although the district has 92 government-aided primary schools more than its 73 parishes, he noted that these schools are concentrated in only 37 parishes. He urged district leaders to correct this imbalance in line with the national policy of having one primary school per parish and one secondary school per sub-county.
“Some targets have not yet been achieved, but what we have accomplished is significant and something Uganda can be proud of,” he said.
Buyende currently has six government secondary schools, against the ideal target of one per each of the district’s 14 sub-counties. Museveni committed to ensuring that more schools are established to address the gaps.
The President also mentioned plans to upgrade various health centers across the district in the next term of office.
Wealth Creation and Economic Empowerment
Museveni used the rally to reaffirm the NRM’s long-standing philosophy on wealth creation, which he said has guided the party since the 1960s. He pointed to the 1996 NRM manifesto, which promoted enterprises such as poultry, piggery, coffee, fishing, and fruit farming under the four-acre model.
He encouraged the people of Buyende to take advantage of the model and government economic empowerment programs, including the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, the Youth Livelihood Programme, and the Women’s Empowerment Initiative to improve their livelihoods.
Museveni urged young people to draw inspiration from successful local wealth creators and discouraged them from seeking low-paying jobs in the Middle East. Instead, he encouraged them to participate actively in the government’s wealth creation initiatives, which he said offer sustainable and dignified economic opportunities.
The NRM Second National Vice Chairperson (Female) and Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, assured President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni that Buyende District will overwhelmingly vote for the NRM from the presidential level down to the parish leadership.
She thanked the President for the continued infrastructure development in the district, including schools, roads, and health centres, which she said have greatly improved the lives of the people.
The NRM District Chairperson for Buyende and Budiope East Member of Parliament, Eng Moses Magogo expressed gratitude to the President for his love and support for the Busoga Subregion, and Buyende in particular.
He cited the granting of district status to Buyende, the appointment of its gallant sons and daughters to government positions, and the extension of electricity as major milestones.
Magogo requested the President to include Buyende District among the areas designated for compensation and restocking, explaining that Buyende hosted many people from the Teso Subregion and other regions who lost their cattle during past conflicts.
He also commended the President for guiding the fishing communities in Buyende and appreciated the Fishing Protection Unit for the great work done in restoring order and sustainability in the sector.
The NRM National Vice Chairperson, Al-Hajji Moses Kigongo, noted that one of the reasons the NRM has remained in power for decades is its strong ideology built on discipline, respect, and unity.
He urged party leaders at all levels to maintain the peace ushered in by the NRM government and reaffirmed their readiness to continue safeguarding this peace.
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni,
emphasized the importance of prayer and unity, reminding Ugandans that it is their collective responsibility to protect peace, especially after the country suffered for many decades before the NRM restored stability.
She called upon the people of Busoga to turn up individually on January 15th and vote for President Museveni so that he can continue leading Uganda to greater heights.