President Museveni, the Presidential flag bearer for the National Resistance Movement (NRM), has reaffirmed that the party remains the only political force with a proven record of guiding Uganda from instability to peace and development.
Addressing thousands of supporters during a campaign rally in Rukungiri, the President said the people of Kigezi understand better than most Ugandans what it means to live without security. Communities in areas such as Kanungu–Kihihi, he noted, once lived under constant fear due to insecurity spilling over from the DR Congo border.
“We are a tested force. We have walked Uganda through every challenge and delivered stability,” President Museveni said, emphasizing that peace remains the foundation on which all national progress is built.
He highlighted the NRM’s approach to development, prioritizing essentials and working steadily within available resources. Government spending, he explained, begins with security, followed by critical services such as roads, electricity, schools, and health facilities.
The President pointed to completed infrastructure including the Ntungamo–Rukungiri–Kihihi–Ishasha–Kanungu Road. He also announced new road projects such as the Muhanga–Kisiizi–Rwamucucu–Kebisoni Road and the Kabwohe–Kitagata–Kabira–Rukungiri Road.
“NRM prioritises what matters. We don’t lie, and we don’t promise miracles, we are not Jesus,” he said.
He also highlighted major gains in rural electrification, noting that areas which previously had no power—such as Bushenyi, Rwashamaire, Rukungiri, Kabale, and Kisoro—are now fully connected.
The government, he added, is working to ensure that every sub-county in the country has access to electricity so that no household or enterprise is left behind.
The President praised the resilience of the Bakiga in overcoming geographical challenges and promised further investment in irrigation systems capable of lifting water uphill, enabling farmers to grow crops throughout the year and break the cycle of seasonal poverty.
While celebrating the region’s ongoing transformation, he reminded residents that development alone cannot create prosperity without personal effort. He urged families to embrace wealth creation through government initiatives such as Entandikwa, NAADS, Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), Emyooga, and the Parish Development Model (PDM).
“Poverty is personal, and so is wealth. These opportunities are not for the rich, they are for ordinary people,” he said.