Report conducted by Briton Kiwanuka Tigah

Jinja, Uganda | – The National Resistance Movement (NRM) leadership and mobilizers in Busoga have pledged to deliver an overwhelming victory for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in the 2026 General Elections, committing to secure more than 80 percent of the regional vote.

The pledge was made during a high-level engagement meeting held in Jinja District on September 14, 2025, which brought together structural leaders, mobilizers, cadres, and grassroots influencers from all the 12 districts of Busoga.

Delegates expressed strong confidence in the leadership of H.E. President Museveni and reaffirmed their unwavering support for the NRM, while also raising concerns that require urgent government attention ahead of the 2026 polls.

“Busoga remains solidly behind President Museveni and the NRM. We are committed to delivering an overwhelming victory as long as key concerns affecting our people are addressed,” leaders declared.

Unity and Representation

The meeting was attended by representatives from Jinja City, Jinja District, Kamuli, Iganga, Mayuge, Bugiri, Namutumba, Kaliro, Luuka, Namayingo, Buyende, and Bugweri. All districts reaffirmed their loyalty and commitment to ensuring that Busoga remains a dependable stronghold of the NRM.

Key Issues Raised

Delegates highlighted a number of challenges that they believe require quick intervention to strengthen mobilization and grassroots confidence:

Infrastructure: The long-delayed Jinja–Budondo–Kamuli Road, seen as an economic lifeline, must be urgently rehabilitated. Youth Unemployment: Leaders called for increased skilling, job creation, and financial support for youth-led enterprises. PDM Accountability: Reports of mismanagement of Parish Development Model funds were raised, with calls for stronger oversight to protect the program’s credibility. Unfulfilled Pledges: Delegates urged government to clarify the status of the long-promised Busoga sugar factory. Party Cohesion: Concerns were expressed about RDCs and RCCs supporting independents against official NRM candidates, undermining grassroots unity. Basic Services: Calls were made for the expansion of electricity and piped water in underserved communities. Clarifying Misconceptions: Leaders welcomed clarification that Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga remains a strong and influential figure in the NRM, despite misinformation circulating in some areas.

Resolutions and Commitments

In spite of the challenges, leaders pledged total loyalty to H.E. President Museveni and the NRM, resolving to:

Champion the tarmacking of Jinja–Budondo–Kamuli Road as a campaign milestone. Advocate for government oversight on PDM and Emyooga funds. Push for youth empowerment through skilling and enterprise funding. Rally behind NRM flag bearers against independents. Support government in expanding electricity and clean water access.

Path to 2026

Delegates concluded that Busoga’s vote will be decisive in ensuring President Museveni’s resounding victory in 2026. Plans were made to hold a Phase II engagement in October and a regional NRM conference before December to consolidate momentum across the sub-region.

“Busoga is firmly committed to President Museveni’s leadership. With visible government action on these issues, we will deliver nothing less than 80 percent for NRM in 2026,” the leaders emphasized.

Outlook

The meeting reenergized party structures and reaffirmed the region’s role as a reliable bastion of NRM support. With unity, strategic mobilization, and government response to community concerns, leaders expressed confidence that Busoga will vote overwhelmingly and peacefully for the NRM in 2026.