The National Peasants Party (NPP) presidential flag bearer, Robert Kasibante, has launched his 2026 presidential campaign in eastern Uganda, starting with lively street rallies in Jinja City.
Kasibante, who was greeted by cheering supporters lining the streets, pledged to confront the region’s persistent socio-economic challenges, including poverty, the struggling sugarcane industry, and the instability of the fishing sector.
At a press conference preceding the rally, Kasibante condemned security forces for allegedly breaking into hotel rooms belonging to National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi, commonly known as Bobi Wine, in Lira on Tuesday night.
“We are only a quarter into the campaigns, but security operatives have started misbehaving. If they continue raiding hotel rooms of presidential candidates, they risk plunging the country into turmoil because such reckless behavior angers supporters,” Kasibante warned.
He emphasized that all presidential contenders deserve respect and equal treatment, adding that intimidation only reveals fear of competition.
Kasibante appeared to have found his groove in Jinja - or his peasant identity - playing cards with the locals in the park and exuding his most lively persona after four weeks on the trail yet.
Responding to critics who doubt his viability as a presidential hopeful, Kasibante said, “I don’t give a damn about detractors. If I managed to collect almost 100 signatures from each district, that means I have a strong following. Let’s focus on our manifesto and campaigns.”
During his address to crowds along Aldina Road near Jinja Central Market, Kazimingi along Obote Way, and Kirinya Road, Kasibante pledged to appoint the First Deputy Prime Minister and Kamuli District Woman MP, Rebecca Kadaga, as Vice President if elected in the January 15, 2026 general election.
“I have realized that the people of Busoga love Maama Kadaga so much. My government will be inclusive, and I will appoint her Vice President,” Kasibante declared, drawing thunderous applause.
Kasibante outlined a raft of pledges to rejuvenate Busoga’s economy and uplift the peasantry, whom he described as the backbone of his political movement.
He vowed to withdraw the army from Uganda’s lakes and return fisheries management to community councils.
“We shall remove the army from the lakes and empower community councils to manage them. Fishermen must regain control over their livelihoods,” he said.
On the sugarcane crisis, Kasibante promised to prioritize farmers’ interests and ensure fair prices for their produce.
“The key pillar of the National Peasants Party is the peasantry. Since most sugarcane farmers are peasants, they will be at the center of my government’s programs,” he noted.
He further unveiled a social support program proposing monthly stipends of Shs200,000 for elderly citizens and unemployed youth, funded through reduced public spending.
“We shall cut the number of Members of Parliament and Ministers and abolish the RDCs to reduce government expenditure. The savings will go to support the unemployed and the elderly,” he said.
Kasibante, who walked through several streets including Nizam Road and Obote Way, was seen interacting with vendors, greeting residents, and playing street games before addressing his supporters.
The launch was marked by jubilation, drumming, and dancing as supporters waved NPP flags and chanted his name.
Kasibante’s Busoga tour marks the start of his campaign trail in eastern Uganda as he seeks to rally grassroots support under his pro-peasantry agenda ahead of the 2026 general elections.