In a bold move that has sparked both admiration and debate, President Museveni took to the heart of Mbarara City, rallying thousands of supporters to back the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in the 2026 elections. But here's where it gets controversial: while many celebrate the NRM's achievements, others question whether its promises truly translate into tangible benefits for all Ugandans. Accompanied by First Lady and Education Minister Janet Museveni, the President delivered a powerful message at Booma Grounds, urging residents of Mbarara District and City to vote for NRM candidates. But this is the part most people miss—Museveni didn't just ask for votes; he laid out a detailed vision for Uganda's future, one that hinges on peace, development, and economic empowerment.
The President began by emphasizing the NRM's first major achievement: peace. He reminded the crowd of Uganda's turbulent past in 1972, 1979, and 1985, contrasting it with the stability the country now enjoys 'from border to border.' This, he argued, is due to the NRM's rejection of sectarian politics based on religion, tribe, or gender. But is this peace truly inclusive, or does it favor certain groups over others? That's a question worth exploring in the comments.
Museveni then shifted to development, highlighting improvements in infrastructure, particularly the national road network. He announced plans to construct the Biharwe–Bwizibwera road and boasted of expanded electricity coverage. Yet, he admitted that 30% of Ugandans remain outside the money economy—a stark reminder that progress isn't uniform. For instance, he cited George Matongo, a dairy farmer earning Shs21 million monthly despite lacking access to tarmac roads and electricity. This raises a critical question: Can infrastructure alone lift households out of poverty, or is direct financial support, as Museveni claims the NRM provides, equally essential?
On wealth creation, the President urged a shift from development-focused policies to improving household incomes. He proposed the 'four-acre model' for small landholders: coffee, fruits, pasture for dairy cows, and food crops, with backyard enterprises like poultry or fish farming. For urban residents, he highlighted skilling centers offering training in trades like hairdressing and welding. But is this enough to address unemployment, or are more systemic changes needed?
Museveni also touted job creation as a key NRM contribution, pointing to opportunities in agriculture, services, ICT, and manufacturing. However, critics argue that job growth hasn't kept pace with population growth. What do you think—is the NRM doing enough to create sustainable employment?
The First Lady echoed the President's call for unity, praising Mbarara's overwhelming support and urging residents to mobilize for a 99.9% NRM vote. She warned against complacency, stressing that large crowds must translate into actual votes. Meanwhile, local NRM leaders like Prosper Atuheise and Wilson Tumwine thanked Museveni for rejecting tribalism and approving projects like the Nyakisharara Airfield upgrade. Tumwine also appealed for a stadium in Mbarara, highlighting the need for sports development.
Here's the controversial part: While the NRM's achievements are undeniable, some argue that the party's focus on infrastructure and peace has come at the expense of equitable wealth distribution and political freedoms. Is Uganda truly on the path to inclusive prosperity, or are certain groups being left behind? We want to hear your thoughts—agree or disagree, let's spark a conversation in the comments!
