Museveni urges leaders to separate politics from personal survival as 2026 campaigns intensify

20 December 2025, 3:38 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

As the date for eligible Ugandans to participate in the 2026 general elections draws closer, candidates for various elective positions continue to canvass for votes across the country, explaining why voters should support them on 15 January 2026 and other designated polling dates.

Yesterday, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party flag bearer and President of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni, while campaigning in Lyantonde District, urged leaders to separate politics from personal survival. He warned that many political conflicts arise when leadership is treated as a source of livelihood rather than a service to the people.

The remarks were made at Kaliro Town Council Playground, where President Museveni also launched the NRM 2026–2031 Manifesto. He emphasized that genuine leadership must be guided by service, not money.

“Politics should never be your livelihood. If you join politics because of money, you are doing the country a disservice. Separate your survival from leadership. With money or without money, you must serve,” Museveni said.

The President is today expected to continue his campaign rallies in Kalangala and Kalungu districts as he seeks public endorsement for a seventh electoral term.

Meanwhile, the aspiring Makindye Division Mayor, Lusagala Bosco, has confirmed that preparations are underway to welcome the National Unity Platform (NUP) party presidential flag bearer, Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi, to the division. Lusagala made the remarks yesterday while addressing reporters in Kampala.

“I want to confirm that we are preparing to welcome our president, Robert Kyagulanyi, who will be coming to Makindye Division on Monday next week. I urge our people to be ready to receive him because he is coming with a package that he will unpack for the people of Makindye Division,” Lusagala said.

He further appealed to NUP supporters to vote for leaders they know are hardworking, saying he is ready to implement the party manifesto, including the policy of devolution.

In a related development, the Chief Coordinator of 7Hills, Menton Salim, raised concerns about NRM leaders whom he accused of failing to explain government achievements when addressing the public. He said this omission has led some citizens to believe that government has done little for them.

“It is a pity that many NRM leaders, when given the opportunity to speak to the public, talk about themselves because they are contesting for positions instead of explaining government achievements. This should change,” Salim said.

He also urged the youth to refrain from violence during and after the elections, calling for peaceful participation in the electoral process.

“As leaders, we will not allow violence. Go and vote for President Museveni and all NRM leaders on 15 January 2026, and then go home peacefully,” he added.