EDITOR
Former Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda has applauded President Yoweri Museveni for what he described as remarkable improvements in Uganda’s health indicators, urging voters to reward the President with overwhelming support in the 2026 elections.
Addressing NRM supporters at Rushebeya in Rukiga District on Tuesday, Rugunda noted that government-led interventions—especially universal immunisation—have significantly raised the quality of life for Ugandans over the past decades.
“Life expectancy of Ugandans has gone up. It was at 43 years, now it is 68. This deserves appreciation,” he said. Rugunda added that infant mortality has dropped sharply from 122 deaths per 1,000 live births to 28 per 1,000.
He encouraged voters to rally behind President Museveni, joking that even outspoken cleric Fr. Gaetano had agreed to vote for the NRM flagbearer.
The event drew thousands of excited supporters who welcomed President Museveni, the NRM Presidential Flagbearer, as he visited the district to outline his 2026–2031 Manifesto. The Party National Chairman arrived with his daughter, Patience Rwabwogo, and was received by several senior leaders.
In his address, President Museveni highlighted what he called the “seven bricks” the NRM has contributed to Uganda’s progress—chief among them peace, infrastructure expansion, a strengthened national army, and wealth creation initiatives.
He recalled the insecurity that once plagued the Kigezi region due to its proximity to the DRC, noting that “all that is gone” thanks to sustained peace efforts. Museveni also cited the expansion of the electricity grid, which now covers all districts in Kigezi, and highlighted key roads that have been constructed or upgraded in recent years.
The President urged Rukiga residents to embrace wealth creation alongside infrastructure development. He pledged additional funding to the Parish Development Model (PDM) to ensure remaining eligible beneficiaries receive their support.
Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second National Vice Chairperson (Female) Anita Among also addressed the rally, assuring the crowd that leaders from northern and eastern Uganda were united behind President Museveni.
“We want to request the people of Rukiga to vote for Museveni 100%,” she said. “This country is not for trial and error.”
Among dismissed calls for a protest vote, arguing that Uganda’s peace and development were achievements that must be safeguarded through continuity.
