Luwero residents voice support, concerns as Museveni launches 2026 campaign

LUWERO - As President Yoweri Museveni prepares to officially launch his 2026–2031 election campaign today, September 30, 2025, at Bukalasa playgrounds in Luwero district, residents have shared appreciation and concerns about the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) legacy and future.

Luwero, often referred to as the cradle of the NRM revolution, carries a symbolic weight in Uganda’s political history.

It is here that Museveni waged his guerrilla war in the 1980s that brought his government to power. With the ruling party returning to this historic ground to launch its new campaign, residents say they are watching keenly, both with gratitude and expectation.

Shaft Nasser Mukwaya, a resident of Bombo town, says the Government had delivered stability and fairness. (All Photos by Frederick Kiwanuka)

Praise for peace and stability

For many residents, the NRM’s strongest card remains its record on peace and security.

Shaft Nasser Mukwaya, a resident of Bombo town, says the Government had delivered stability and fairness.

“The NRM has done a wonderful job in promoting peace and equal opportunities for all Ugandans,” Mukwaya noted.

Rashida Birungi

Rashida Birungi echoed the same sentiment, adding that the government’s role in ensuring regional stability cannot be overlooked.

“President Museveni and the NRM deserve credit for maintaining peace and stability in Uganda and in the region. But, land grabbing remains a big problem,” she said.

Concerns over land grabbing

Several residents raised land grabbing as a lingering challenge that has left communities vulnerable despite other developmental gains.

Livingston Kategaya, a resident of Kamira in Bamunanika, said while people in Luwero recognise the Government’s contribution, land issues must be addressed.

“The people of Luwero have cause to support the NRM and President Museveni for their efforts to develop the region. The issue of land grabbing has to be looked into,” Kategaya emphasised.

Livingston Kategaya

Calls for grassroots empowerment

Other residents pointed to the Government’s outreach programmes, especially those targeting women and vulnerable households.

Cissy Mulondo from Kamira praised the NRM for reaching ordinary citizens but urged for more investment in community initiatives.

“The NRM deserves credit for reaching down to the common people, especially the women. There is a need to inject more funds into programmes like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and the Women Entrepreneurship Programme (WEP),” Mulondo said.

Cissy Mulondo

However, Shamim Kayaga, a resident of Butuntumula near Luwero town, highlighted that while such programmes exist, household poverty continues to bite.

“The NRM has tried in many areas. But household poverty remains a big problem that has to be fought,” Kayaga remarked.

Confidence in Museveni’s leadership

Some residents remained firmly confident that Museveni would deliver more for Luwero and the country in the next term.

Haruna Bikwasi

Haruna Bikwasi, an NRM mobilizer and independent parliamentary candidate for Katikamu South, expressed optimism.

“We thank President Museveni for always having the people of Luweero at heart. We expect more from him during his coming term,” Bikwasi said.

Shamim Kayaga

Moving ahead

Today’s rally at Bukalasa playgrounds has drawn hundreds of supporters and marks the beginning of the NRM’s nationwide campaign trail.

It follows the launch of the party’s 2026–2031 manifesto yesterday, which promises to safeguard Uganda’s achievements and drive the country into a “qualitative leap toward high middle-income status.”

For the people of Luwero, the birthplace of the revolution, the rally is more than a campaign event—they chanted at the event that it is a reminder of history and a platform to voice their hopes and demands for the future.