At Liberation Square, President Museveni Revisits NRM Struggle and Uganda’s Journey to Stability

Masaka District—President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has underscored the central role of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in restoring peace and stability to Uganda, describing it as the foundation upon which the country’s social and economic progress has been built.

Addressing a massive campaign rally at Liberation Square in Masaka Municipality, President Museveni said the venue holds deep historical significance to the NRM struggle, noting that it once served as a secure holding ground for fighting equipment during the bush war.

“This place is symbolic of our struggle. It is where our fighting equipment was kept in custody during the war. Uganda had suffered instability in 1966 and 1971, but peace was finally secured after the NRM came to power,” Museveni told supporters.

The President traced the roots of the NRM back to the mid-1960s, explaining that the movement began as a student-led ideological struggle before evolving into a national liberation force.

“We started as a student movement in 1965 with colleagues like Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, the late Eriya Kategaya and others. Later, we formed the NRM after leaving political parties that lacked vision for the country,” he said.

Museveni emphasized that the peace achieved over the past decades has enabled government to support key institutions across the country, including faith-based and educational establishments. He cited St. Henry’s College Kitovu as one such beneficiary, saying government intervened after concerns were raised by the school’s head teacher, Fr. Mugabo.

“Because of peace, we are able to support institutions like St. Henry’s College Kitovu. When Fr. Mugabo raised the issue, we listened and acted. Without peace, none of this would be possible,” the President noted.

He used the occasion to call on voters to elect leaders who genuinely represent their interests, stressing that Members of Parliament must be accountable and responsive to the needs of the people.

“That is why MPs must truly represent the people, and the people must vote rightly,” Museveni said, drawing applause from the crowd.

Turning to the economy, the President commended Masaka and the greater Buganda sub-region for their strong performance in coffee production, describing the crop as a key pillar of household incomes and national exports. He encouraged farmers to embrace irrigation and modern farming practices to increase productivity and withstand the effects of climate change.

“Masaka is doing well in coffee growing, but we must now focus on irrigation to ensure stable and increased production,” he urged.

The Masaka rally marked President Museveni’s first campaign stop in the district during the ongoing NRM mobilization drive, with party leaders and supporters reaffirming their commitment to the movement’s liberation legacy and development agenda.