The National Resistance Movement (NRM) National Delegates Conference has formally selected President Yoweri Museveni as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2026–2031 term.
During the conference held at Kololo Independence Grounds, President Museveni accepted the nomination with gratitude, thanking the delegates for once again choosing him as the NRM chairman and flagbearer for the upcoming presidential elections.
“I appreciate your confidence in re-electing me as the NRM chairman for the 2026–2031 period and for endorsing me to represent the party in the presidential race. I also extend congratulations to Hon. Hajji Moses Kigongo, a devoted party member since 1980, for being elected unopposed,” Museveni stated.
Uganda’s Economic Transformation
President Museveni recounted the evolution of Uganda's economy, starting from the colonial era when the nation’s economy relied heavily on six main exports: cotton, coffee, copper, tobacco, tea, and tourism—commonly referred to as the "three Cs and three Ts." By 1961, only a small fraction (9%) of households were earning income, with most families practicing subsistence farming.
He highlighted the severe economic decline during Idi Amin’s regime, which led to scarcity of essential goods. Since then, the NRM government has led the country through five major stages of economic recovery and development:
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Initial Recovery Phase – Reviving key exports like cotton, coffee, tea, and tourism, and eliminating the black market.
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Growth of a Limited Economy – Expanding production in traditional export sectors.
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Diversification – Encouraging other cash-generating crops like maize, bananas, dairy, beef, cassava, and fruits.
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Value Addition – Fostering domestic industries in areas such as textiles, leather, and furniture to boost earnings and employment.
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Knowledge-Based Economy – Investing in innovation, including electric vehicles and technology-led sectors.
He pointed out that Uganda’s economy has expanded from $3.9 billion in 1986 to $66 billion today, with its purchasing power parity (PPP) reaching $188 billion. Museveni stated that the next goal is a significant economic transformation aimed at reaching a $500 billion economy by focusing on value addition and industrial modernization.
Vision for Peace and Modernization
The President emphasized the need to transform Uganda into a modern state driven by technology and innovation rather than physical labor.
He presented seven guiding principles, starting with the importance of maintaining peace. “For the past 40 years, the NRM has sustained peace in Uganda—possibly the longest period of stability in this region in the last 600 years,” Museveni remarked.
He clarified the difference between development, which refers to public infrastructure like roads and schools, and wealth, which is created at the household level through commercial agriculture, industry, services, and ICT.
Encouraging the Youth
Museveni encouraged young leaders to embrace entrepreneurship and wealth creation. He cited successful youth-led ventures based on his four-acre model, involving activities such as dairy farming, poultry, cassava cultivation, and value addition.
He called on all Ugandans to work toward building household wealth, preserving peace, and backing the NRM’s mission of transforming Uganda into a prosperous, industrialized society.
CEC Election Outcomes
In the Central Executive Committee (CEC) elections, Speaker Anita Among emerged victorious over Rebecca Kadaga, while Mike Mukula stepped down in favor of David Calvin Echodu for the Vice Chairperson slot in the Eastern Region.
President Museveni commented, “I’ve received confirmation of Capt. Mike Mukula’s withdrawal from the Eastern Region race in support of Mr. Echodu. I continue to champion leadership focused on results—what matters is the outcome, not who holds the position. I applaud both leaders for prioritizing collective interest over personal ambition.”
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