President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has assured supporters in Buganda that the integrity of the vote will be fully protected, declaring that no one will be allowed to steal votes as the country heads toward the 2026 general elections.
Addressing a massive crowd at Kasambya Town Council in Mubende District during his first campaign rally in the Buganda region on Monday, the President said government reforms have closed loopholes that previously enabled electoral malpractice.
He pointed to the introduction of biometric verification, including fingerprint confirmation for every voter, as a key safeguard against rigging.
President Museveni dismissed claims that Buganda backed the opposition in past elections, describing such assertions as false and a product of cheating.
He emphasized that the NRM government will not tolerate any actions aimed at undermining peace or destabilizing the country.
While presenting the NRM Manifesto for 2026–2031, the President reiterated that peace remains the movement’s foremost achievement, noting that Uganda had once been divided by sectarian politics based on tribe and religion—practices the NRM decisively rejected.
Turning to development, President Museveni said the NRM’s second major contribution is investment in economic and social infrastructure, including roads, electricity and other productive facilities.
He cautioned against placing excessive emphasis on salary increments at the expense of broader national development, adding that Mubende has already registered progress, with outstanding projects set for completion.
On social services, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to establish a government primary school in every parish and a government secondary school in every sub-county, alongside plans to create a public university in the area to serve old districts formed during the colonial era.
The President highlighted wealth creation as the NRM’s third pillar, stressing that development alone does not automatically translate into household income.
He outlined the four-acre model for small-scale farmers and encouraged larger landholders to engage in ranching and commercial crop production. He also assured residents that no one would be evicted from their land, pledging continued action on land-related disputes.
NRM leaders used the rally to rally support and urge calm.
First National Vice Chairperson Alhaji Moses Kigongo appealed for peace during the election period, while Speaker of Parliament and Second National Vice Chairperson (Female) Rt Hon. Anita Annet Among called for government support in issuing land titles to occupants of land owned by absentee landlords.
NRM Vice Chairperson for Central Region Hon. Haruna Kasolo and Mubende District NRM Chairperson Ainebyona Thomas pledged overwhelming support for President Museveni and party candidates, praising the impact of the Parish Development Model.
They also renewed calls for a public university in Mubende and additional administrative units to bring services closer to the people.
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