Museveni Urges Busoga Leaders to Prioritize Unity for Regional Development
Iganga,Uganda – January 12,2026 – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has issued a stern call for unity and humility among National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders in the Busoga sub-region,warning that persistent internal divisions are hindering socio-economic progress and disproportionately impacting the region’s most vulnerable citizens. Addressing a gathering of thousands of NRM leaders at Iganga Girls’ Secondary School on Saturday, January 10, 2026, the president emphasized that cohesive leadership is not merely desirable, but essential for unlocking Busoga’s full potential.
The Cost of Division: A Burden on the Poor
Museveni’s address centered on the detrimental effects of infighting among political leaders. He argued that such conflicts do not harm the wealthy, who can insulate themselves from instability, but rather exacerbate the challenges faced by the poor, who rely on stable governance and coordinated development initiatives to improve their livelihoods. “What I advise you is that poor people need unity among the leaders because you are delaying their coming out of poverty by not working together,” he stated, adding that continued discord could even have life-threatening consequences for those struggling with poverty. [[1]]
Addressing Internal Conflicts
The President’s remarks come amidst a backdrop of longstanding political rivalries within Busoga,wich have historically weakened party cohesion and hampered regional development. Museveni contrasted the situation in Busoga with other regions – including Bukedi,Lango,Bugisu,West Nile,and Acholi – where NRM leaders have demonstrated a greater commitment to collaboration despite political differences. [[2]] He specifically highlighted the irony that the very meeting intended to address these divisions was initially impacted by them, noting that State Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Persis Namuganza, requested the meeting be held in Iganga, yet its success was threatened by internal disagreements.
Navigating Invitation Disputes and Ensuring Inclusion
museveni revealed his personal intervention in resolving a dispute over invitations to the meeting, specifically addressing concerns raised by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Kadaga. Kadaga initially expressed feeling excluded, stating she had not been invited. The President recounted personally contacting both Kadaga and the Speaker of Parliament to clarify the situation and ensure all key stakeholders were included. This intervention underscores the President’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and addressing grievances within the party.
NRM’s Seven Historic Contributions and the Path Forward
The Iganga meeting was strategically designed as part of a broader NRM effort to mobilize grassroots support ahead of the January 15,2026,general elections. Museveni used the opportunity to reiterate the NRM’s key achievements since coming to power, outlining what he described as seven historic contributions. He emphasized that peace and stability are paramount, arguing that without them, no meaningful development can occur. “Even without doing other things, so long as we have peace, everything can be achieved,” he asserted. [[3]]
Key Pillars of NRM’s Development Agenda
- Peace and Security: Rejecting identity-based politics (tribe and religion) as a cornerstone of stability.
- infrastructure Development: Investing in roads, electricity, water, and education.
- Wealth Creation: Promoting the four-acre model for integrated farming,encompassing coffee,fruits,livestock,and food crops.
- Job Creation: Fostering economic growth through agriculture, manufacturing, and skilled trades.
- Pan-Africanism & Regional Integration: Leveraging the East African Community (EAC) market to boost trade and economic opportunities.
- Parish Development Model (PDM): providing Shs100 million annually to each parish to stimulate local economic activity.
- Social Programs: Building on initiatives like Entandikwa, NAADS, and Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) to empower communities.
Museveni illustrated the success of the four-acre model with examples like Fred Byamukama, a farmer generating ample income from eggs, coffee, and livestock, and Korea Dick Ogira, a mango farmer thriving despite limited infrastructure. He highlighted the potential of programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) to lift communities out of poverty, noting that some individuals have already experienced notable improvements in their livelihoods through its implementation.
commitment to Grassroots Empowerment and Future Outlook
The meeting concluded with a show of support from senior NRM officials, including Moses Kigongo, who expressed confidence in busoga’s commitment to the party, and Anita Among, the Speaker of Parliament, who announced plans to increase allowances for LC1 chairpersons from Shs10,000 to Shs100,000.Among’s declaration of “Team Busoga and Team Museveni” signaled a call for unified support behind the NRM’s agenda.
President Museveni’s visit to Busoga serves as a critical reminder of the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving enduring development. As Uganda approaches the 2026 general elections, the message of humility, discipline, and collective action will undoubtedly be central to the NRM’s campaign strategy, particularly in regions like Busoga where internal divisions have historically posed a challenge to progress.
