RWAKITURA: Uganda’s President-Elect Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Declares Victory, Reflects on Strong NRM Support and Pledges Focus on Poverty Alleviation, Security, and National Unity.
In a victorious address following his 71% win in Uganda’s 2026 Presidential election, President-Elect Yoweri Kaguta Museveni remarked that the opposition was “lucky” because 10 million potential voters from his National Resistance Movement (NRM) party did not turn up to vote.
The President-Elect, addressing the nation from his residence in Rwakitura, Kiruhura District, noted that the NRM’s triumph, both in the presidential and parliamentary elections, reflected a resounding national endorsement. He commended the contribution of Uganda’s security forces, cultural leaders, religious leaders, and citizens for ensuring a peaceful and orderly electoral process.
“We must find out why 10 million registered NRM voters did not turn up,” Museveni said, emphasizing that many of those who didn’t vote were indeed NRM supporters. He promised investigations into the reasons behind the low voter turnout and stressed that it was essential for the party to understand this discrepancy moving forward.
Key Priorities for Uganda’s New Term
President Museveni outlined the key priorities for his upcoming term, focusing on economic development and poverty alleviation. “In the next phase, we will focus on two categories: supporting the rich and helping the 30% of Ugandans still living under subsistence farming,” he said, adding that his government would expand financial support schemes, free universal education, healthcare improvements, and infrastructure development.
Museveni also addressed the importance of enhancing water supply systems for both domestic use and production, with a vision for excellence in public service delivery by 2031. He highlighted the significance of the East African Community’s free trade protocols and plans to strengthen Uganda’s position within the regional bloc.
Addressing Opposition Violence and Terrorism Allegations
In a pointed remark, President Museveni cautioned the opposition against “subversive schemes” that threaten national security, specifically referring to the National Unity Platform (NUP) politicians who, he claimed, had formed gangs in a bid to intimidate voters. The President described such actions as a threat to Uganda’s hard-earned peace and unity, asserting that the NRM would not allow the country to be destabilized.
He called for the intervention of the Interreligious Council of Uganda to mediate with opposition leaders, advising them to reconsider their violent tactics and focus on national reconciliation. Museveni reiterated the NRM’s commitment to maintaining the peace and unity that the party has worked hard to restore in Uganda over the past several decades.
Religious and Political Leaders Offer Their Support
During the ceremony, President Museveni received formal congratulations from various political and religious leaders. The ceremony attended by members of the Interreligious Council of Uganda, religious leaders led prayers for the President’s success in his new term.
The Vice President of Uganda, Major Jessica Alupo, congratulated Museveni for his resilience throughout the campaign, noting that his leadership had garnered support across the nation. “Ugandans are united in their belief in your leadership, and I call on everyone to continue supporting your government in this new term,” Alupo said.
In her remarks, the First Lady, Janet Kataaha Museveni, expressed her gratitude to God for the victory and thanked the President for his leadership. She acknowledged the dedication of the NRM members and supporters, emphasizing that their hard work had made this victory possible.
“Today, we rededicate ourselves to serving the people of Uganda with even more devotion. God will continue to bless our efforts,” said the First Lady.
Certificate of Election and National Unity
At a brief but significant event, Museveni received his official Presidential declaration certificate form from the Uganda Electoral Commission, confirming his victory with 7,946,772 votes (71.65% of the total valid votes). The certificate was presented by Alhaji Moses Kigongo, the NRM First Vice Chairman.
In the coming weeks, President Museveni will begin outlining his plans in greater detail, with a particular focus on improving the livelihoods of the most vulnerable Ugandans, enhancing national security, and continuing the development initiatives started in his previous terms.
As Uganda enters this new chapter under his leadership, Museveni’s call for unity and progress resonates: “We will not allow anyone to discredit our nation’s peace and development. Together, we will build a prosperous future for all.”
