Uganda’s Museveni Courts Voters with Infrastructure Promises and a Defense of Long Rule

SHEEMA DISTRICT, Uganda – President Yoweri Museveni, a fixture in Ugandan politics for nearly four decades, intensified his campaign for the 2026 presidential election this week with a rally in Sheema District, offering a blend of retrospective defense of his National Resistance Movement (NRM) and a vision for future development fueled by the country’s burgeoning oil reserves. The event, held Tuesday, underscored a familiar theme in Museveni’s political strategy: linking the nation’s stability and economic progress directly to his leadership and the NRM’s enduring power.

Museveni, 79, has been in power since 1986, and his continued rule has been marked by both significant economic growth and persistent concerns about democratic backsliding and human rights. As he seeks to extend his tenure, he’s leaning heavily on the narrative of a Uganda transformed from a chaotic past to a nation on the cusp of prosperity.

“People were enjoying themselves at 9 pm, drinking and happy. That is what they call peace,” Museveni told the thousands of supporters gathered at the Kabwohe Playground grounds, accompanied by First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni. “But unfortunately, many did not know where the peace came from. It came from the good leadership of the NRM.”

This emphasis on peace and national unity is central to the NRM’s political identity. Museveni repeatedly argued that pre-1986 Uganda was fractured by tribal and religious divisions, rendering it ungovernable. He credited the NRM with forging a national identity and building a professional army, free from sectarianism, as the foundation for stability. This narrative resonates deeply in a country that experienced prolonged periods of civil unrest and political violence before Museveni’s ascent to power.

Oil Revenue as a Catalyst for Development

A key component of Museveni’s campaign pitch revolves around the anticipated influx of revenue from Uganda’s oil reserves. The country discovered commercially viable oil deposits in the Albertine Graben region in 2006, but production has been delayed by logistical and legal challenges. Museveni confidently predicted that oil money will begin funding infrastructure projects next year, specifically highlighting plans to tarmac key roads in Sheema District.

“By next year, we shall be using oil money for infrastructure,” he declared, promising upgrades to the road network connecting Buzibwera, Nyakambu, Busiika, Nyakashaka, Nyakabiriizi, Kabwohe, Bugongi, and Kitagata. This pledge aligns with the NRM’s broader infrastructure agenda, which the President framed as essential for socio-economic growth and improved service delivery.

However, the reliance on oil revenue also raises concerns about transparency and accountability. Uganda’s history with natural resource management has been fraught with allegations of corruption and mismanagement. According to a 2022 report by the Transparency International, Uganda ranks 137 out of 180 countries in its Corruption Perception Index, indicating a significant level of perceived corruption. Ensuring that oil revenues are used effectively and equitably will be crucial for realizing the promised benefits.

Bridging the Gap Between Development and Wealth

Museveni dedicated a significant portion of his speech to clarifying the distinction between government-led development and individual wealth creation. He argued that while the state is responsible for providing public goods like roads, electricity, and schools, it is ultimately up to individuals to leverage these resources to build their own economic prosperity.

“That’s why we told you to differentiate between development and wealth,” he explained, citing the example of the Mbarara–Kasese road, which was tarmacked decades ago but has not eradicated poverty in the surrounding areas. He urged Ugandans to embrace commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and information and communication technology (ICT) to escape poverty.

He showcased success stories like George Matongo, a dairy farmer who earns approximately $550 per month despite his remote location, and Johnson Basangwa, a poultry farmer generating around $5,263 daily. These examples, Museveni argued, demonstrate that even modest government interventions can empower individuals to achieve economic success. He also reiterated his support for the 4-acre model, encouraging farmers to diversify their landholdings.

Addressing Social and Economic Challenges

Beyond infrastructure and wealth creation, Museveni touched on other critical issues facing Uganda. He announced plans to stabilize tea prices and provide financial assistance to tea farmers, acknowledging past missteps in the sector. He also dismissed the notion that the government is the primary source of employment, pointing to the manufacturing sector as a major job creator. Currently, Uganda’s unemployment rate stands at 5.2% (2023 data), but underemployment remains a significant challenge.

Museveni also issued a stern warning against the embezzlement of funds allocated to the Parish Development Model (PDM), a government initiative aimed at lifting households out of poverty. He vowed to order arrests for any officials found to be misappropriating funds, highlighting reports that some beneficiaries have not received their full allocation of approximately $263. To date, Sheema District has received roughly $13 million in PDM funds, with $11.2 million disbursed to over 22,000 households – representing just over a third of the district’s total households.

The rally in Sheema District served as a microcosm of Museveni’s broader campaign strategy: a blend of historical narrative, promises of future prosperity, and a firm hand in addressing perceived challenges. As Uganda approaches the 2026 elections, the question remains whether this approach will be enough to secure Museveni another term in office, or whether a changing electorate will demand a new direction for the country.