President Museveni receives victory declaration, pledges poverty eradication

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has formally received the declaration of his re election as President of Uganda, pledging to focus his new term on poverty eradication, economic growth, unity and disciplined governance.

The declaration was officially presented by the National Resistance Movement Central Executive Committee at the President’s country home in Rwakitura, following the recently concluded presidential elections in which he secured more than seven million votes, according to provisional Electoral Commission figures.

In his acceptance remarks, President Museveni began by thanking God and the First Lady, Maama Janet Museveni, for her support throughout the campaign period.

“I want to thank God for this victory and for all the victories we have had over the last 55 years of struggle since 1971,” President Museveni said. “I also thank Maama Janet for her support.”

He attributed the victory to the collective efforts of the party and its leadership structures.

“I want to thank the NRM members and all the leaders because they all played a critical role in this victory,” he said.

The President also acknowledged the role played by national institutions and community leaders in maintaining stability during the electoral period.

“I thank the armed forces for their role, the religious leaders for praying for us, and the cultural leaders for being responsive and working for peace,” President Museveni said.

Reflecting on voter turnout, President Museveni noted that a large number of NRM supporters did not participate in the election, a matter he said required careful study by the party.

“About 10 million of our people did not turn up. Many of them are our members, and we must find out why.”

He linked this reflection to what he described as a return to the founding principles of the NRM, particularly unity and stability, citing improved security in parts of northern and eastern Uganda.

“That atmosphere of maximum unity is coming back,” he said.

The President highlighted government programmes such as the Parish Development Model and presidential skilling hubs, saying they were restoring confidence among Ugandans.

“PDM has given people hope that we can get rid of poverty,” he said.

He acknowledged that implementation had not been uniform across the country and said the government would review performance.

“We must analyze and find out,” he said.

On security, President Museveni warned against what he described as isolated acts of violence linked to political extremism, while emphasising that peace was sustained by both security forces and citizens.

“It is not just the security forces who are maintaining peace,” President Museveni said. “It is all Ugandans, including members of the opposition.”

He issued a warning to groups he accused of collaborating with foreign interests.

“This is a free warning from me,” he said. “Stop what you are doing. We shall maintain peace in Uganda.”

Looking ahead, President Museveni outlined two economic priorities, supporting wealth creators and eliminating household poverty.

“For about 70 percent of the people in the money economy, we must support them to continue growing,” he said. “For the remaining 30 percent, this is where we must decisively address poverty.”

He said Parish Development Model funds would remain central to tackling poverty.

“We must end poverty in the homesteads,” he said.

The President also stressed the importance of free education, improved healthcare and decisive action against corruption.

“Corruption annoys our people,” he said, warning leaders that he would be firm during the new term.

“I will be very harsh in this Kisanja,” he said.

On employment, President Museveni said job creation would continue to be driven by agriculture, manufacturing and the private sector.

Turning to regional integration and natural resources, he said Uganda’s economy required access to wider markets and pointed to the East African Community.

“Our oil will start flowing this year,” he said. “This money must be used for things that will last, like railways, power stations, roads, and science education.”

He cautioned against proposals to directly distribute oil revenues to local governments.

“This oil will last about 20 years,” he said. “If you care about your country, you must use this exhaustible resource to build things that will endure.”

He concluded by urging unity and discipline.

“If we do these things. We shall unite our people and build a stronger country.”