Kyankwanzi Campaign Rally: President Museveni Charts NRM Roadmap on Peace, Roads, Power, and Water

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Tuesday addressed a well-attended campaign rally at Butemba College Grounds in Kyankwanzi District, where he launched the National Resistance Movement (NRM) 2026–2031 Manifesto and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to peace, stability, and inclusive development.

Despite persistent rainfall, residents turned up in large numbers, prompting the President to commend them for their resilience and patriotism. He reminded the gathering that Kyankwanzi is home to “the grandchildren of fighters,” a reference to the area’s historical contribution to Uganda’s liberation struggle and the broader journey toward national stability.

Peace as the Foundation of Development

President Museveni reflected on Uganda’s turbulent past, particularly the period between 1966 and 1985, which was marked by conflict, instability, and economic collapse. He contrasted that era with the relative peace the country has enjoyed since the NRM assumed power in 1986, stressing that sustained peace remains the party’s greatest achievement.

He noted that a whole generation of Ugandans has grown up without experiencing war, unlike in some neighbouring countries that continue to face insecurity. According to the President, this stability is the direct result of nonsectarian politics, national unity, and disciplined leadership—principles he described as the cornerstone of the NRM’s governance philosophy.

“Peace is not accidental,” he said, adding that it must be consciously built, protected, and defended as the first and most critical pillar of national development.

Infrastructure and Connectivity 

Turning to development priorities for Kyankwanzi District, President Museveni pledged to accelerate infrastructure improvements, particularly in road construction. He announced plans to increase the number of tarmacked roads in the district and confirmed that works on key highways, including the Kiboga and Mubende routes, will resume.

He emphasized that improved road networks are essential for linking farmers to markets, lowering transport costs, and stimulating local economies.

Power, Water, and Social Services

The President also outlined plans to expand electricity access to the remaining three sub-counties in Kyankwanzi, underscoring the role of power in boosting household welfare, small-scale industries, and service delivery.

On water and sanitation, he committed to raising clean water coverage from the current 86 percent to 100 percent, describing access to safe water as a basic right and a key driver of public health and productivity.

Irrigation, Environment, and Wealth Creation 

Addressing agriculture and climate resilience, President Museveni called for the protection of wetlands, noting that environmental conservation is essential for sustainable irrigation. He explained that safeguarding wetlands would allow government to roll out irrigation schemes to support year-round farming and wealth creation, citing successful irrigation initiatives already implemented in Bushenyi District.

He urged communities to embrace commercial agriculture and modern farming methods as a pathway out of poverty, especially in areas with fertile land such as Kyankwanzi.

Affirmative Action and National Cohesion

The President reaffirmed the NRM’s commitment to affirmative action, particularly for women, youth, and other historically marginalized groups. He described these policies as vital tools for promoting national cohesion, social justice, and balanced development across regions and communities.

According to President Museveni, empowering women economically and politically is not only a matter of fairness but also a strategic investment in family welfare and national progress.

The Kyankwanzi rally formed part of President Museveni’s wider campaign engagements as he traverses different regions to popularize the NRM manifesto ahead of the 2026 general elections. He urged residents to safeguard peace, support government programmes, and remain vigilant against divisive politics.

As the rally concluded, the President reiterated his message that peace, unity, and disciplined leadership remain the strongest foundations for Uganda’s future, pledging that the NRM will continue to focus on infrastructure, service delivery, and wealth creation for all Ugandans in the 2026–2031 period.