President Museveni Highlights 40 Years of NRM Achievements as He Takes Campaign to Manafwa District

MANAFWA DISTRICT — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Thursday continued his campaign trail in the Bugisu Sub-region with a major stop in Manafwa District, where he presented the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Manifesto for 2026–2031. The President, who also chairs the NRM, outlined the seven key contributions his government has made to Uganda and Africa over the past four decades, emphasizing peace, development, and wealth creation as the cornerstones of Uganda’s transformation.

In an emotional reflection, President Museveni began by thanking God for sparing his life during a critical moment in 1973 when soldiers loyal to former dictator Idi Amin surrounded him and his colleagues in Mwambe’s house. “Two of my colleagues were killed that day. I survived by His grace,” the President recounted, adding that this near-death experience strengthened his resolve to fight for peace and justice in Uganda.

Peace as the Foundation of Progress

Addressing thousands of NRM supporters in Manafwa Town, President Museveni reiterated that peace remains Uganda’s greatest achievement since the liberation struggle. 

“Peace was not easy to achieve, but we built it by valuing every Ugandan, regardless of tribe, religion, or gender,” he said.

The President emphasized that national unity and political stability have enabled sustained growth, attracted investment, and created an environment where Ugandans can prosper.

He noted that before 1986, Uganda was characterized by insecurity, tribal divisions, and economic collapse. However, through NRM’s deliberate policy of inclusiveness and patriotism, the country has been transformed into a beacon of stability in the region.

Development in Bugisu: A Testament to NRM’s Vision

The President used Manafwa District as a living example of how government programs have improved livelihoods. He cited the expansion of social services, including clean water access, education, and health infrastructure.

“In Manafwa, 96% of villages have safe water, and we are upgrading health centres and schools to reach every community,” Museveni said, adding that such progress reflects NRM’s commitment to equitable service delivery.

He also highlighted the improvement of road networks across Bugisu Sub-region, linking previously isolated areas to markets and urban centers.

“Good roads, electricity, and clean water are no longer luxuries—they are now realities in rural Uganda,” he said.

Wealth Creation and Jobs: The Next Frontier

Turning to the theme of wealth creation, President Museveni reaffirmed that the NRM government remains focused on turning every Ugandan household into a productive economic unit. Through the four-acre model, he encouraged residents to adopt modern agricultural practices to boost income and reduce poverty.

“We must not only talk about jobs but create them through the land we have,” he urged. “The four-acre model shows that a small piece of land, when well-managed, can sustain a family, provide food, and generate income.”

He further pointed to government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and youth livelihood initiatives as vehicles for empowering communities to participate actively in the economy.

In unveiling the NRM Manifesto 2026–2031, the President said the new plan will consolidate the achievements of the past four decades while addressing emerging challenges such as unemployment, digital transformation, and value addition to agricultural products.

“Our goal for the next phase is to ensure that peace and prosperity are irreversible,” he stated. “We want every Ugandan—farmer, youth, and businessperson—to be part of this journey of transformation.”

Reception in Manafwa

Residents of Manafwa welcomed the President with excitement, praising the government for extending essential services to their communities. Many locals credited NRM programs for improving their livelihoods, especially in agriculture and education.

Community leaders pledged to continue supporting the ruling party, citing visible progress in infrastructure and social services under President Museveni’s leadership.

President Museveni’s visit to Manafwa marked the second day of his campaign tour in the Bugisu Sub-region, following his stop in Sironko District. His message remained consistent—celebrating four decades of peace and progress while calling upon Ugandans to secure the gains made under the NRM government by supporting the next phase of the movement’s vision for 2026–2031.

“The NRM is not just a political party; it is a movement for peace, unity, and prosperity,” the President concluded, urging citizens to continue working together to build a modern and self-sustaining Uganda.