NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi urged young voters in Adjumani District to leverage their numbers to back change in the 2026 elections, criticising President Museveni’s 40-year rule and endorsing NUP parliamentary candidate Stephen Peter Ijjo.
Addressing supporters on Saturday, Kyagulanyi highlighted the power of the youthful population in shaping Uganda’s political future.
“You young people hold the biggest numbers. Use that power to bring meaningful change. The regime has stayed for 40 years but it no longer has solutions for your problems,” he told a cheering crowd in Adjumani.
Kyagulanyi began the day with a one-hour live talk show on Radio Amani 89.1 FM in Adjumani Town before addressing the press.
He specifically called on voters to support Stephen Ijjo Peter, the NUP parliamentary candidate for Adjumani West County, currently held by Gen. Moses Ali of the NRM.
“Our brother Stephen Ijjo deserves your vote. The old politicians have done their part; it is time for them to hand over the mantle to the young generation,” Kyagulanyi said.
Ijjo, speaking briefly at the rally, pledged to offer accountable and integrity-driven leadership if elected.
At Cesia Primary School playground, Kyagulanyi criticized government corruption, which he claimed costs the country over Shs10 trillion annually.
“Corruption is stealing your drugs in hospitals, the books in schools, the seeds meant for farmers. This government has failed to stop it because many of its leaders benefit from it,” he said, promising that NUP would prioritize anti-corruption reforms and improve service delivery in health, agriculture, and education.
NUP Deputy President for Northern Uganda, Lina Zedriga, added that a change in leadership would restore dignity and fairness to citizens.
“For years, our people have suffered indignity caused by corruption and misgovernance. NUP stands for restoring dignity, fairness, and justice,” she said.
The rally drew thousands of young participants, many of whom expressed enthusiasm about the message of change. Joseph Amale, a youth attendee, said, “We are tired of promises. We want a new Uganda.”
After Adjumani, Kyagulanyi and his campaign team moved to Gulu District and Gulu City to continue mobilizing support ahead of the 2026 elections.
Political analysts note that youth-driven backing in northern districts like Adjumani could play a decisive role in shaping the upcoming political landscape.