President-elect Yoweri Museveni has outlined his key priorities for the 2026–2031 term, crediting God, the National Resistance Movement (NRM), and Uganda’s security institutions for his election victory.
Speaking on Sunday at his country home in Rwakitura, Kiruhura District, shortly after the declaration of results, Museveni thanked NRM members and leaders for their role in the campaign and praised the armed forces for maintaining peace during the electoral period. He also acknowledged religious and cultural leaders for promoting stability and national unity.
Museveni noted that voter turnout was lower than expected, estimating that about 10 million registered voters did not participate. He said the NRM would study the causes of the low turnout, describing it as an important test of the party’s strength. He further observed that many spoiled votes appeared to come from NRM supporters, particularly elderly voters, an issue he said required reflection and correction.
On security, the President-elect warned against violence and disorder, citing incidents where armed groups attempted to disrupt polling in some areas. He emphasized the need for continued peace and cautioned against actions that could destabilize the country, saying Ugandans did not want to experience chaos similar to that seen in countries like Libya.
Looking ahead to his next kisanja, Museveni said his government would pursue a two-pronged economic strategy. One pillar will focus on supporting wealth creators—such as commercial farmers, industrialists, hotel owners and investors—through institutions like the Uganda Development Bank. The second pillar will prioritize lifting the poorest households out of poverty, with the aim of making every homestead economically productive.
He highlighted the Parish Development Model and skilling hubs as key interventions already giving hope to communities, noting that these initiatives would be strengthened to tackle household poverty and reduce vulnerability to political manipulation.
Museveni also outlined social service priorities, including free education in government schools, improved healthcare delivery, and stricter supervision to ensure medicines reach health facilities. He said corruption and injustice in the courts continued to anger citizens and pledged tougher action to ensure fairness and accountability. He further warned leaders and contractors that road maintenance especially for tarmac roads—would be closely monitored.
On the economy, Museveni confirmed that Uganda is entering the oil production phase and said revenues from the sector would be invested in long-term infrastructure. He stated that oil money would be directed toward railways, power generation and science education, stressing that the finite resource must be used to build sustainable national capacity.
In his closing remarks, Museveni saluted all Ugandans, including those who supported the opposition, and called for unity and stability as the country begins a new term under his leadership.
