President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has vowed to intensify the fight against corruption, warning leaders against the theft of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds and government drugs as he officially launched his 2026 presidential campaigns at Bukalasa Agricultural College in Luweero on Tuesday.

Arriving shortly after a heavy downpour, the President, accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, was received by thousands of enthusiastic supporters who braved the rain to cheer him on.

“You know the thieves. They are your leaders. We should work together to arrest them,” Museveni declared, drawing loud applause from the crowd. He said the misappropriation of PDM funds and government drugs is a betrayal of the poor, stressing that culprits will face tough consequences.

The President emphasized that the PDM program, which aims to boost household incomes by channeling development funds directly to parishes, is central to his government’s poverty eradication strategy.

He revealed that the government would increase PDM funding from the current Shs100 million to Shs150 million per parish annually, starting in the next financial year, to expand opportunities for farmers and small-scale entrepreneurs.

“Every parish will now access Shs150 million, and we shall continue to scale it up depending on how you use the money. This is your program; protect it from thieves,” Museveni said.

On health service delivery, Museveni expressed disappointment at reports of drugs being stolen from public hospitals and sold in private clinics. He pledged that new accountability mechanisms would be put in place, including stronger community monitoring and stricter penalties for health workers and officials caught in the vice.

Turning to employment, Museveni reiterated that government cannot employ every Ugandan directly, but through initiatives like the PDM, youth and women can create their own wealth. He showcased video testimonies of model farmers who have successfully applied the four-acre model to improve their livelihoods.

“With oil production set to begin soon, Uganda will have more revenue to invest in infrastructure, education, health, and wealth-creation programs. But first, we must fight corruption to ensure the money works for the people,” he added.

The President was warmly welcomed by senior NRM leaders, including members of the Central Executive Committee, top Secretariat officials, ministers, MPs, and local leaders.

NRM Deputy Secretary General, Rose Namayanja Nsereko, hailed Museveni for his visionary leadership, saying the people of Luweero are a living testimony of the government’s progress in infrastructure, education, and agriculture.

“From the days of liberation to today, Luweero has seen transformation because of your consistency and determination to fight poverty,” Namayanja said.

Museveni’s campaign message focuses on zero tolerance for corruption, expanded funding for PDM, and sustained investment in wealth creation to transform Ugandan households.

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The National Resistance Movement (NRM) National Chairman and President of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni yesterday officially launched the NRM Manifesto for the period 2026–2031, pledging to protect the hard-earned achievements of the Movement and accelerate Uganda’s march to high middle–income status.

The colorful launch held at Speke Resort Convention Centre in Munyonyo was attended by senior party leaders, ministers, Members of Parliament, and other guests who welcomed the Chairman’s message with excitement and confidence.

In his address, President Museveni thanked the people of Uganda and the Movement for entrusting him once again as the party’s flag bearer.

“This manifesto is not just a piece of paper. It is the story of the Movement and Uganda for the last sixty years. It is a guide for the next step of our journey,” he said.

The Chairman outlined seven key pillars of the new manifesto, framed under his ABCDE approach, to help leaders and wananchi understand the priorities clearly.

Peace and Security – Museveni reaffirmed that peace is the greatest gift of the NRM to Uganda.

“Our army is strong, nobody can bring war here. If they try, we shall finish them. The challenge now is crime, and leaders must not tolerate thieves or corrupt policemen,” he cautioned.

Infrastructure Development – The President emphasized the continued expansion of roads, electricity, railways, air transport, schools, and health centers as the backbone of social and economic transformation.

Wealth Creation – He encouraged every household to engage in productive enterprises, citing inspiring stories like Joseph Ijala, who transformed from a taxi conductor into a prosperous farmer earning over 1 billion shillings a year.

Jobs – The Chairman explained that jobs are created through wealth and production. “Public service employs 480,000, but factories already employ 1.2 million. Agriculture can employ even more,” he said, pointing to success stories of small farmers employing dozens of workers.

Service Delivery – Museveni pledged to strengthen the provision of health, education, and security services to ensure they match the growing needs of the people.

Markets – The Chairman underlined the importance of regional and continental markets for Uganda’s products. “The people who help me most are those who buy my milk, my beef, my bananas. That is why we emphasize East African integration,” he said.

Unity and Political Stability – He cautioned Ugandans against divisive tribal politics, calling it “the language of enemies of Africa,” and urged the people to focus on prosperity.

Museveni explained that all these areas are connected, “Peace leads to development, development leads to wealth, wealth creates jobs, jobs require services, and all these need markets. It is one chain,” he emphasized.

The manifesto, themed “Protecting the Gains and Ensuring a Qualitative Leap into High Middle–Income Status”, represents the NRM’s commitment to inclusive growth, social transformation, and sustainable prosperity.

“Our task is clear,” Museveni concluded. “We must protect the gains we have made and move forward. We have the foundation. Now is the time to achieve the leap.”

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