2026 general election: Museveni takes vote hunt to Nebbi, Zombo

NEBBI - President Yoweri Museveni of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party will today (Saturday) address campaign rallies for the 2026 general election in the districts of Nebbi and Zombo.

The cowboy hat-wearing leader was by press time set to hold a rally in Nebbi town in the morning and Zombo in the afternoon as he seeks to run for a record seventh term.

A vehicle with loudspeakers blaring out music passed through Nebbi town at around 7:30am to whip up enthusiasm for the President’s rally.

Nyamutoro also called for increased investment in health and education, advocating for the upgrading of Nebbi General Hospital to a regional referral facility and for additional funding to public schools. (All Photos by Simon Peter Tumwine)

It played the Tubonga Naawe song in which 12 celebrated local musicians praise Museveni for several outstanding achievements. 

Later, a group of energetic supporters of the NRM presidential candidate blew vuvuzelas around Highway Motel and in some other parts of the town.

On Friday (October 10), the NRM Nebbi district campaign task force held its final planning meeting for the President’s rally.

Mineral development state minister Phiona Nyamutoro, who is also the NRM flagbearer for Nebbi Woman MP seat, said all necessary mobilisation had been completed from the grassroots to ensure a successful turnout.

“We have just concluded a meeting with our sub-county NRM chairpersons and other local leaders to agree on the best way to mobilize our people, especially on time management, since the rally will be held in the morning,” she told journalists.

The minister said they want to send a clear message that Nebbi is firmly behind President Museveni. We expect large crowds, high enthusiasm, and overwhelming support, which our people will demonstrate at the ballot. For us in Nebbi, tomorrow (today) is not just a rally, it’s a celebration of President Museveni’s legacy,” she said.

According to the NRM secretariat, Nyamutoro emphasised that the President’s visit to Nebbi is largely a gesture of thanks to appreciate the district for its consistent support of the party.

“In Nebbi, he is not really coming to campaign. He is coming to wave to his people and thank them for the overwhelming support they have already shown him,” she is quoted by the party as saying in a statement posted on its website.

The minister outlined a series of achievements Nebbi has registered under the current NRM government, saying residents have every reason to be grateful.

“For over 20 years, Nebbi had no representation at the ministerial level, but today we are proud to have a ministerial appointment and several others within government. We are also grateful that last year, the President commissioned the Nebbi substation, officially connecting West Nile to the national electricity grid,” she said.

She further cited infrastructure developments such as the government’s decision to upgrade the Nebbi–Goli Road (16km), which has long been a challenge for locals, and the planned industrial park at Omvoro Village in Nyaravur Sub-county, which has been prioritized for development in the next financial year.

 “The light has been shown at the end of the tunnel. With the upcoming industrial park, agro-processing facilities, and other projects, Nebbi will soon become a hub of empowerment in the West Nile region,” she noted.

 
Nyamutoro also called for increased investment in health and education, advocating for the upgrading of Nebbi General Hospital to a regional referral facility and for additional funding to public schools.

 “We are also grateful that the President is reviewing the Parish Development Model to make it more comprehensive. Once we strengthen financial empowerment, the health sector, and education, our district will be unstoppable,” she said.

As minister, Nyamutoro revealed that new mineral discoveries have been made in Nebbi, which the government plans to explore for the benefit of the local population.