President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Monday held two campaign rallies in Kasese District, where he presented the NRM 2026–2031 Manifesto and urged voters to prioritise peace, wealth creation and national unity ahead of the January 15 general elections.
Addressing supporters in Bukonzo East Constituency, largely inhabited by the Bakonjo community, Museveni outlined what he described as three key pillars for Kasese’s future economic transformation: commercial agriculture, services—particularly tourism linked to wildlife and mountaineering—and manufacturing.
The President said government programmes such as Emyooga and the Presidential Skilling Hubs are intended to equip citizens with practical skills and access to capital, enabling households to generate income and create jobs.
“Kasese’s future lies in wealth and jobs from agriculture, tourism and manufacturing. That is why we emphasise Emyooga and skills training,” Museveni said.
He also acknowledged long-standing infrastructure and social issues in the district, pledging continued investment in road construction and road equipment to serve Kasese’s vast terrain. Museveni reaffirmed government commitments on pensions for the people of Rwenzururu, the resettlement of the Banyabindi community, and the development of historical and cultural memorial sites such as Katebwa.
Later, while addressing another rally in Busongora North, Museveni stressed that peace remains the foundation of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), describing it as the party’s “first matafari”—using the local term for brick.
“Uganda was destroyed by bad politics based on tribe and religion. Such politics cannot build a strong party, strong institutions or a strong army,” Museveni said. He noted that the NRM rejected sectarianism and instead built a national party and strong state institutions, which he credited for the country’s relative peace and stability.
He identified development as the second “matafari” but cautioned that infrastructure alone does not eliminate poverty.
“You can have a good road, but if there is no sugar in the house, poverty remains,” Museveni said, emphasising household-level wealth creation through the four-acre model and proper enterprise selection.
As the campaign trail moves closer to polling day, Museveni called on Ugandans to turn up in large numbers and vote for the NRM, saying this would help safeguard peace and consolidate the gains made over the years.
President Museveni’s Kasese visit formed part of his ongoing nationwide campaign, with rallies held at two separate venues in the district.
