President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Tuesday unveiled plans for fresh funding initiatives targeting youth, graduates, and community groups across Uganda, shortly after being officially nominated as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential flag bearer for the 2026 general elections.
Speaking to thousands of jubilant supporters at Kololo Independence Grounds, Museveni thanked party leaders, cultural and religious representatives, and citizens for their overwhelming support.
He hailed the “strength of the NRM family,” describing it as evidence of Uganda’s steady progress under his leadership.
The President stressed the urgency of economic transformation, urging Ugandans outside the money economy to embrace modern sectors such as agriculture, industry, and ICT.
“We celebrate what we have achieved, but we must now leap forward,” he said, calling on the 33 percent of households still outside the formal economy to become wealth creators.
Museveni announced several new financial initiatives, including a dedicated fund for unemployed university graduates, an expanded ghetto youth fund, and additional skilling programs across all 171 districts and municipalities.
He also revealed ongoing discussions to establish special funds for religious and cultural institutions.
“We shall create funds for each respective group to ensure nobody is left behind,” Museveni declared, pledging inclusive growth and highlighting Uganda’s growing manufacturing capacity as proof that the country can “protect the gains” made under NRM rule.
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, outlined the government’s achievements in education since 1986, noting an increase in primary schools from 6,880 to 12,549 and secondary schools from 454 to 1,400.
She urged Ugandans to support Museveni to “finish the plans he started when he rescued the country from bad leadership.”
Top NRM leaders echoed the call. NRM 1st National Vice Chairman Al-Hajji Moses Kigongo described Museveni’s nomination as “a new chapter” and asked voters to shun independents in favor of party candidates.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among praised the President for ensuring peace and security, while NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong said Museveni’s candidacy was “demand driven.”
Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, who officially nominated Museveni, lauded his leadership record, citing a drop in infant mortality from 120 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1986 to about 25 today, alongside progress in infrastructure and health.
“It is crucial that all of us unite to ensure this tested leader is given a greater mandate,” Rugunda said.
Charity Lenia, the NRM flag bearer for Vvura County who seconded the nomination, rallied youth and women to back Museveni, crediting him with championing emancipation and empowerment.
As supporters cheered, Museveni promised that his upcoming manifesto will lay out strategies to sustain economic growth and empower Ugandan communities.
“Together, we protect what we have built and take a bold leap forward,” he concluded.
