Crowds chanting NRM slogans receive Museveni in Serere

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Chanting crowds have today, November 3, 2025, received President Yoweri Museveni in Serere district.

The President, who is seeking reelection, resumed his presidential campaign in Teso region, beginning with Serere district after taking a brief rest on Sunday.

Arriving in Serere at exactly 12:08pm, Museveni was received by enthusiastic crowds waving NRM flags and chanting party slogans.

The president’s return to the campaign trail marks the continuation of his efforts to consolidate support in a region that has in recent years shifted firmly to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

Serere, which borders Lake Kyoga, is one of Uganda’s key fishing hubs, but is also an area where tension between fishermen and the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) has been rising.

The clashes on the lake have become a sensitive political issue, and residents expect the President to address their concerns directly.

“We are happy with the President, but his soldiers always beat us on the lake. Once he addresses that challenge, we shall be very grateful,” Simon Otim, a fisherman from Pingire sub-county, said.

For months, fishermen across Serere and the neighbouring districts have accused the FPU of harassment, brutality and arbitrary confiscation of fishing gear under the guise of enforcing fishing regulations.

The tension has put pressure on fisheries state minister Hellen Adoa, also Serere Woman Member of Parliament, who now faces growing demands from her constituents to intervene.

Adoa, speaking before Museveni’s arrival, acknowledged the concerns but also highlighted government efforts to support livelihoods through wealth creation programmes. 

“Over 21,000 people in Serere have benefitted from the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga programmes,” she said. 

“Fishing on Lake Kyoga has improved and our people are getting better harvests. But we also want discipline and sustainability in how we use the lake".

The President’s rally in Serere follows a busy first week of campaigns across the Teso. Since his arrival last week, Museveni has addressed rallies in the districts of Kapelebyong, Kaberamaido, Kalaki, Katakwi, and Amuria. Each of these rallies drew thousands of supporters who turned up to reaffirm their support for the NRM and its candidates.

Serere, once considered a stronghold of the Opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), has seen a gradual political transformation over the past two election cycles. The district now stands as a bastion of NRM support, though local grievances, especially those tied to the lake economy, continue to pose challenges for the ruling party.

Speaking to reporters at the venue, NRM’s national vice-chairperson for eastern Uganda David Calvin Echodu dismissed fears that the ongoing tensions would affect the president’s support in the region.

“The momentum is high, and the spirits of the people are even higher,” Echodu said. 

“Teso has witnessed peace and stability under President Museveni. The people know that the NRM is committed to improving their livelihoods.”

As the sun scorched the open field where the rally was held, thousands waited patiently, some waving small Ugandan flags, others dancing to local campaign songs praising the president’s long stewardship.

The air was filled with excitement and expectation a reflection of the president’s enduring popularity among the rural communities of Teso, especially those benefiting from government programmes.

By the end of the day, the president was expected to hold another rally in Soroti city at the sports ground. The rally will bring together the city dwellers and Soroti district.

NRM secretary general Richard Twodong joined the president this week in the vote hunt. Among other high-profile PARTY leaders in Serere are Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among and Uhuru Shalim.