In 31 photos: Museveni launches 2026 campaign at Kololo rally

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On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, President Yoweri Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flagbearer, was duly nominated by the Electoral Commission (EC) to contest in the 2026 presidential elections.

For NRM supporters, the day doubled as a celebration. From Kampala and districts across the country, they flocked to Kololo Ceremonial Grounds singing, dancing, and jubilating. Long before the President’s nomination, Kololo was already turning into a carnival of yellow.

At about 10:30 am, Museveni was officially declared a candidate by EC chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama at the Commission’s new headquarters in Lubowa-Lweza, Wakiso District.

Speaking moments after his nomination, Museveni reflected on Uganda’s transformation since 1986. “Where we are moving to now is to again convince the people of Uganda of what has been achieved in the past, and what we are planning to do next,” he said. He promised to give a more comprehensive address to NRM supporters at the afternoon rally in Kololo.

As the President returned to State House to prepare, Kololo was already vibrant with music, food, and entertainment. Supporters feasted, danced, and sang as popular musicians kept the crowds engaged while they awaited their flagbearer’s arrival.

In the afternoon, President Museveni and the First Lady, Janet Museveni, arrived at Kololo to thunderous cheers. Beaming, they waved back to the jubilant crowd from the car roof before being received by party leaders.

Addressing thousands of supporters, Museveni expressed gratitude to NRM leaders, religious and cultural representatives, and citizens from across the country who turned up in overwhelming numbers. He praised those who endorsed his nomination papers and hailed the “strength of the NRM family” as proof of Uganda’s steady progress.

Museveni urged Ugandans to embrace the money economy as wealth creators, either as owners or workers. “We celebrate what we have achieved, but we must now leap forward,” he said, noting that 33 percent of households are still outside the formal economy. He encouraged them to enter modern production sectors such as agriculture, industry, and ICT.

Highlighting socio-economic transformation as the cornerstone of his campaign, the President announced several new funding initiatives. These include:

• A special fund for university graduates who remain unemployed two years after completing their studies.
  
  
• An expanded ghetto youth fund.
  
  
• Additional skilling programs across all 171 districts and municipalities.
  
  

He further revealed ongoing discussions to establish dedicated financial facilities for religious and cultural institutions to strengthen their development work. “We shall create funds for each respective group to ensure nobody is left behind,” he said.

Pointing to Uganda’s growing capacity in manufacturing, from agriculture to local automobile assembly, Museveni underscored the need to protect past gains while advancing into a new phase of industrialisation.

As supporters cheered, he assured them that his forthcoming manifesto will outline detailed strategies to sustain economic growth and empower communities nationwide.

“Together, we protect what we have built and take a bold leap forward,” he concluded.

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More photos from the nomination rally in Kololo

A procession of NRM supporters moved through Kampala city towards the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds for the party nomination rally. Their procession caused traffic jams in some areas, while they were granted the right of way to Kololo.

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Iconic!

President Museveni, while holding the NRM flag, runs as a demonstration of stamina, attracting amusement and jubilation from nearby leaders and his supporters, while his security detail runs after him.

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