Published on 19/11/2025
President Yoweri Museveni has vowed to personally address disputes arising from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries and concerns from disgruntled independents, saying all cases will be resolved “systematically and based on facts.”
Campaigning in Kaliro District on Tuesday alongside First Lady Maama Janet Museveni, the President said the party could not afford confusion over flag bearers ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Senior NRM leaders, including Al-Hajji Moses Kigongo, Secretary General Richard Todwong, and others accompanied him.
Museveni cited the recent Namutumba case, where an earlier winner was overturned after an appeal produced compelling evidence.
“When I reviewed the facts, it was clear there was a problem. I asked my lawyers to check, and we found a mistake. It was easy to cancel the previous declaration,” he said.
He stressed that the NRM’s internal electoral processes are transparent, with candidates’ agents, security personnel, and the public present during vote counting.
“If we count when everyone is there and someone goes and changes results, that person is foolish. We can cross-check everything,” he warned.
The President urged discipline in the ongoing campaigns, insisting he would personally handle disputed cases.
He said any official—whether an aspirant or sitting MP—found tampering with results would face arrest.
“Even if he is already a Member of Parliament, bring the facts. We shall arrest him and take him to jail,” he said.
Museveni also defended his push for free education, saying NRM leaders must act with unity. He pointed to youth skills projects where formerly hopeless learners are now producing items previously imported.
Highlighting the NRM’s longstanding focus on wealth creation, Museveni showcased success stories from Busoga such as Basangwa, who moved from a small backyard enterprise to owning more than 100,000 chickens and earning about Shs 20 million daily.
He said such examples prove commercial agriculture remains the most reliable path to household prosperity.
“Those who divert you are your enemies. Government jobs are only 480,000, yet we are 50 million people. The answer is in wealth creation, not waiting for government employment,” he said.
Museveni reaffirmed the NRM’s seven pillars, outlining peace, development, wealth, and jobs, while promising to elaborate on the remaining pillars in an upcoming press briefing.
He urged the people of Kaliro to continue supporting the NRM, describing it as the most consistent and reliable vehicle for Uganda’s transformation.
