By: Boy Fidel Leon
President Yoweri Museveni delivered a familiar message with fresh urgency on Friday. Busoga needs to stop dividing itself along tribal lines and focus on what actually matters; development and unity.
Speaking to hundreds of leaders, religious figures, and mobilisers from Busoga at State Lodge Nakasero, the President framed his appeal around the NRM’s four core principles: patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy. Translation? Think bigger than your tribe.
Museveni singled out Haj. Faruk Kirunda, his Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilisation, was the kind of leader Uganda needs. He is someone who serves without asking about your tribe or religion first.
“This is what leaders are supposed to do, not divide people or promote sectarianism,” the President said, setting the tone for what would become a meeting about both unity and political strategy.
The President pushed back hard against claims that his government has neglected Busoga. He rattled off evidence: factories in Jinja, Njeru, and Masese. Roads built and rehabilitated—Jinja-Kamuli, Musita-Mayuge-Busia, Iganga-Mbale. More tarmac coming for Iganga-Luuka-Kamuli and Kimaka-Mbulamuti-Kamuli.
“It’s not true for some people to say the NRM government has done nothing for Busoga,” he said flatly.
On electricity, he pointed to new power dams beyond Owen Falls and an expanded national grid reaching all regions. Many Busoga households now have power, he noted—a basic fact but one the President clearly felt needed repeating.
Museveni’s message to local leaders was direct. Government money is flowing through PDM, Emyooga, and SACCOs. Make sure people use it properly. Leaders should audit these programs and help communities fight poverty with the resources already available.
“You should use this opportunity from the government and work to uplift your lives,” he said.
The meeting produced two concrete examples of what the President wanted to see. Ms. Namutamba Resty stepped aside in the Luuka Woman MP race for NRM’s Nabirye Annet. Haji Jafari Basajabalaba did the same in Bushenyi’s LC5 race, backing NRM’s Tumwebaze Prosper.
Museveni praised both moves as perfectly aligned with NRM principles. “Vote for leaders who promote unity amongst our people, not divisionism,” he told the gathering.
Religious leaders got their own marching orders: preach peace and unity. The President reminded them that NRM brought stability after years of chaos. Stability that some Busoga residents helped fight for.
“We fought to bring stability to our country, and I urge you to sensitise our people, especially the youth, to desist from activities that may cause instability,” Museveni said, clearly thinking ahead to the 2026 elections.
Bishop Naimanhye Paul Mukembo, speaking for the Inter-religious Council, assured the President that the clergy stands with him. He thanked Museveni for the peace that allows free worship and promised religious leaders would visit rival politicians in Busoga to push reconciliation.
The religious turnout was impressive: Archbishop Emmanuel Obbo from Tororo, multiple bishops from various denominations, the Regional Mufti, and clan leaders including Owek. Richard Mafumo, Head of Busoga Clans.
Strip away the development talk and religious blessings, and this meeting was about securing Busoga for 2026. Minister Babirye Milly Babalanda thanked the President for his time. Haji Kirunda promised the delegation would work collectively for stability and development. Everyone pledged loyalty.
It’s the kind of gathering Museveni has perfected over decades. Mixing genuine policy discussion with political positioning, wrapping both in appeals to unity and progress.
The President’s message to Busoga boils down to this: tribal politics are a dead end. Real improvement comes from using government programs, maintaining peace, and backing leaders who unite rather than divide.
Whether Busoga voters buy that argument in 2026 remains to be seen. But Museveni made clear he’s not leaving the sub-region’s political loyalty to chance. He’s laying groundwork, and reminding everyone that development and political backing should go hand in hand.