Kiruhura, Uganda — President-elect Yoweri Museveni has credited divine intervention, the National Resistance Movement (NRM), and Uganda’s security agencies for securing his latest electoral victory, while outlining an ambitious economic, social and governance agenda for his next term in office.
Speaking on Sunday evening from his country home in Rwakitura, Kiruhura District, shortly after the declaration of election results, Museveni thanked NRM supporters, party leaders and campaign structures across the country for what he described as a disciplined and focused campaign.
He also paid tribute to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and other security institutions for maintaining peace during the electoral period, saying stability remained the foundation upon which Uganda’s development must be built.
“I want to thank God, the people of Uganda, the NRM structures, and our security forces for ensuring that the country remained peaceful,” Museveni said, while also acknowledging the role played by religious and cultural leaders in promoting national unity.
Low Voter Turnout Raises Questions
Museveni acknowledged that voter turnout fell below expectations, estimating that nearly 10 million registered voters did not cast their ballots. He described the low participation as a key issue the ruling party must interrogate as it prepares for the next political cycle.
“This election has tested the strength of the NRM,” he said, noting that the party would conduct a thorough analysis to understand why many voters stayed away from polling stations.
The President-elect also pointed to a significant number of spoiled ballots, particularly among elderly voters who traditionally support the NRM, saying this highlighted the need for better voter education and support mechanisms.
Warning Against Violence and Disorder
On security, Museveni issued a firm warning against violence and political disorder, citing isolated incidents in which armed groups attempted to disrupt the electoral process in some areas.
He cautioned that Uganda must not allow political competition to degenerate into chaos, drawing comparisons with countries that descended into prolonged instability after contested elections.
“Ugandans do not want disorder. We do not want to go the way of countries that collapsed into chaos,” he said, stressing that peace remains non-negotiable.
Two-Pronged Economic Strategy
Looking ahead to his next kisanja, Museveni outlined a two-track economic strategy aimed at accelerating growth while tackling household-level poverty.
On one hand, the government will continue supporting wealth creators—commercial farmers, industrialists, investors, hotel owners and entrepreneurs—through targeted financing and development institutions such as the Uganda Development Bank.
At the same time, renewed focus will be placed on lifting the poorest households out of subsistence living and into productive economic activity.
“We must ensure that every homestead becomes economically active,” Museveni said, adding that poverty leaves communities vulnerable to manipulation and instability.
Parish Development Model and Skilling Hubs
The President-elect singled out the Parish Development Model (PDM) and skilling hubs as flagship interventions that have already begun transforming communities at the grassroots.
He said these programs would be strengthened and better supervised to ensure they directly address household poverty, youth unemployment and skills gaps.
“These initiatives have given hope to many Ugandans. We are going to consolidate them so that no family is left behind,” he said.
Social Services, Corruption and Infrastructure
On social services, Museveni reaffirmed his commitment to free education in government schools and improved healthcare delivery. He expressed concern over persistent weaknesses in the health system, particularly the diversion of medicines, and pledged stricter supervision to ensure drugs reach intended facilities.
He also acknowledged growing public anger over corruption and delays in the justice system, vowing tougher action to ensure fairness, accountability and efficiency in the courts.
Road infrastructure featured prominently in his remarks, with Museveni warning leaders and contractors that road maintenance—especially of tarmac roads—would be closely monitored to prevent waste and shoddy work.
Oil Revenues and Long-Term Investment
Turning to the economy, Museveni confirmed that Uganda is entering the oil production phase, describing it as a critical milestone in the country’s development journey.
He emphasized, however, that oil revenues would not be squandered on short-term consumption. Instead, the exhaustible resource will be invested in long-term infrastructure projects designed to build sustainable national capacity.
“We shall invest oil money in railways, power generation and science education,” he said, arguing that these sectors are essential for industrialization and future competitiveness.
Call for Unity
In his closing remarks, Museveni extended an olive branch to opposition supporters, saluting all Ugandans regardless of political affiliation and calling for unity as the country embarks on a new term under his leadership.
“This country belongs to all of us,” he said. “We must move forward together in peace and stability.”
First Lady Calls for Renewed Service
Earlier, First Lady Maama Janet Museveni thanked the President, NRM leadership, religious leaders and supporters for their contribution to the victory.
She described the election outcome as a reflection of God’s faithfulness and called on party leaders and members to re-dedicate themselves to service.
“Let us work even harder in serving the people of God and our nation,” she said.
