Museveni promotes pan-africanism and economic integration as Kyagulanyi’s campaigns encounter chaos

11 January 2026, 12:14 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

National Resistance Movement (NRM) party flag bearer Yoweri Museveni Tibuhaburwa yesterday held meetings with various groups of people, urging them to champion Uganda and Africa as a whole.

In Nakawa, Kampala, he met local leaders and delivered a speech on the country’s economic progress.

“I urge you all to champion Uganda and Africa as a whole. Whereas Uganda once smuggled sugar, we now produce about 700,000 tonnes against a domestic demand of 300,000 tonnes. We produce 5.3 billion litres of milk but consume less than 1 billion, leaving a surplus of over 4 billion litres. The same applies to cement, timber and other products,” he said.

“These realities show why Africa and Pan-Africanism are vital for our prosperity. That is why the NRM rejects politics of identity and instead promotes unity, peace and shared economic interests as the basis for progress,” Museveni emphasised.

Museveni later joined the First Lady and Minister for Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni, at State Lodge Nakasero to meet with University Guild Presidents. He warned them against violence and identity politics, reminding them that youthfulness is not for endless partying but for serving the country.

He also stressed wealth creation through agriculture, industry, services and ICT. He noted that production without markets is pointless, highlighting that Uganda now has surpluses of sugar, maize and milk that must be sold. He explained that regional integration through the East African Community (EAC), and later Pan-Africanism, is essential to create larger markets, support mass production, generate jobs, and promote shared prosperity.

Leaders who attended the meetings thanked the president for taking time to speak with them.

Meanwhile, the National Unity Platform (NUP) party presidential flag bearer, Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu, conducted his campaigns yesterday in Busiro South and Busiro North. He urged eligible voters to vote for him on 15 January 2026 to assume the country’s top leadership position.

However, there were some scuffles during the rallies, and teargas was fired to disperse crowds. Some people sustained minor injuries.

Other presidential candidates continue to campaign across the country, although one of the eight candidates, Frank Bulira, has spent most of his campaign period on a break.