Museveni concludes Kawempe and Nansana campaigns, urges formation of SACCOs

7 January 2026, 10:58 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

As he concluded his campaign rallies in Kawempe Division and Nansana Municipality yesterday, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential flag bearer, Yoweri Museveni, emphasised that the government has funds but prefers to channel them through groups rather than individuals.

Museveni urged Ugandans to form Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs), explaining that government support is intended for organised groups engaged in productive activities. He stressed that group-based funding promotes accountability and meaningful work.

Addressing supporters at Mbogo Playground in Kawempe Division, Museveni promised that, if elected for a seventh term, his government would implement a special programme targeting the youth. He noted that the programme would require well-defined leadership structures among young people.

Accompanied by his wife, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni, the president highlighted achievements made by the NRM government over nearly 40 years. He recalled that during the bush war period, roads such as the Kampala–Gulu highway were already tarmacked, yet most people along the route lived in grass-thatched or mud houses.

“Development existed, but household wealth did not. That history is why the NRM emphasises income, wealth creation and jobs,” Museveni said.

He added that the government’s first priority is commercial agriculture done correctly, noting that small land holdings require intensive production, while larger land suits extensive farming. He also highlighted that Wakiso District benefits greatly from artisans, workshops, and industries, which create jobs and wealth. Museveni thanked the people of Nansana for turning out in large numbers despite the rain.

However, workers affiliated with 7 Hills SACCO raised concerns over low pay. The Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Sharifa Buzeki, informed the president that the workers earn only UGX 6,000 per day and appealed for the amount to be increased to at least UGX 10,000. In response, Museveni promised to address the matter at a later date.

During the same rally, Hon. Janet Museveni, in brief remarks, thanked religious leaders for their prayers and challenged Ugandans to reflect on what they have done for their country, rather than always asking what the country has done for them. She urged supporters not only to attend rallies but also to turn out and vote on 15 January 2026, supporting NRM flag bearers.

Meanwhile, National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Kyagulanyi Robert Sentamu yesterday announced that he had halted campaigns in some parts of Northern Uganda, citing alleged obstruction by the Uganda Police Force. Kyagulanyi recently claimed there was a plan to arrest him before polling day.

The police, however, dismissed the allegations, stating that there is no plan to detain the candidate or orchestrate incidents ahead of the election.

“The Uganda Police Force categorically dismisses allegations of a scheme to detain candidate Kyagulanyi Robert Sentamu or engineer incidents before election day. Our efforts are geared towards facilitating peaceful elections, and we call upon all political actors to promote non-violence,” the statement partly read.