Kagadi: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s campaign stop in Kagadi District was marked by renewed political momentum for the National Resistance Movement (NRM), as a senior opposition figure from the National Unity Platform (NUP) stepped down and declared support for the ruling party.

Speaking before the President during the rally in Muhorro, Kagadi district, Speaker of Parliament who is also the Second National Vice Chairperson, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among announced that Mr. Brian Asingwire, a top NUP figure in Buyaga East who had served the party for six years, had withdrawn from the race and joined NRM after witnessing the government’s development record in the area.

She noted that the decision by Asingwire who has also been NUP chairperson in Kagadi reflected growing confidence in NRM’s leadership and its transformative agenda in Kagadi and the wider Bunyoro sub-region.

Addressing residents, President Museveni emphasized that NRM’s foundation is anchored in unity, peace, and development, not sectarian politics based on tribe, religion, or gender. He reminded the gathering that before colonialism, communities thrived on skills and productivity, a philosophy NRM has revived through peace, strong institutions, and economic empowerment.

The President highlighted key achievements, including improved infrastructure, schools, hospitals, and wealth-creation programs through commercial agriculture. He reiterated the importance of working for both “the stomach and the wallet,” citing successful farming models and industrial growth such as Mbale Industrial Park, which employs over 44,000 Ugandans.

Museveni also pledged further government support to Kagadi, including the construction of a new skilling hub to bring training closer to the people, and the rehabilitation of the Ndaiga–Kagadi road. He raised concern over delays in disbursing coffee funds, assuring residents that the matter would be followed up for quick resolution.

Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja told the rally that Kagadi leaders were now fully united behind President Museveni and pledged overwhelming electoral support.

She also conveyed greetings from Kenyan President William Ruto, who wished Museveni a landslide victory. Nabbanja urged NRM leaders and supporters to intensify grassroots mobilization through door-to-door campaigns ahead of the 2026 elections.

Among further commended the President for safeguarding freedom of worship, investing in oil roads, supporting tea growers with UGX 360 billion, constructing Hoima City Stadium, and establishing a public university in Bunyoro—developments she said have transformed the region and attracted cross-party support.

She also announced that David Muhumuza a contestant for MP Mwenge North Constituency on Independent ticket had stepped down in favour of the NRM flagbearer.

The rally underscored NRM’s growing influence in Kagadi, with defections from the opposition and a strong show of unity among local leaders, signaling a significant boost to President Museveni’s campaign in the region.