By Our Reporter
Kiruhura – President-elect Yoweri Museveni has credited God, the National Resistance Movement (NRM), and Uganda’s security institutions for his election victory, while outlining key priorities for his next term in office.
Speaking after the declaration of results on Sunday at his country home in Rwakitura, Kiruhura district, Museveni thanked NRM members and leaders for their role in the campaign, as well as the armed forces for maintaining peace during the electoral period.
He also acknowledged religious and cultural leaders for promoting stability and unity across the country.
Museveni noted that voter turnout had been lower than expected, estimating that about 10 million registered voters did not participate in the election.
He said the NRM would analyze the reasons behind the low turnout, describing it as an important test of the party’s strength. He added that many spoiled votes came from NRM supporters, particularly elderly voters, and said this too required reflection and correction.
Turning to security, the President-elect warned against violence and disorder, citing incidents in which armed groups attempted to disrupt polling in some areas. He emphasized that Uganda must remain peaceful and cautioned against actions that could plunge the country into instability, saying Ugandans did not want a situation similar to that seen in countries such as Libya.
Looking ahead to the next kisanja, Museveni said his government would pursue a two-pronged economic strategy. One focus will be continued support for wealth creators, including commercial farmers, industrialists, hotel owners and investors, through institutions such as the Uganda Development Bank. At the same time, he said renewed efforts would be directed at lifting the poorest households out of poverty, with the goal of ensuring that all homesteads become economically productive.
The President-elect highlighted the Parish Development Model and skilling hubs as key interventions that have already given hope to communities, saying these initiatives would be strengthened to address household poverty and reduce vulnerability to political manipulation.
Museveni also outlined social service priorities for the next term, including free education in government schools, improved healthcare delivery, and stricter supervision to ensure drugs reach health facilities. He said corruption and injustice in the courts continued to anger citizens and pledged tougher action to ensure fairness and accountability. He further warned leaders and contractors that road maintenance, especially for tarmac roads, would be closely monitored.
On the economy, Museveni confirmed that Uganda is entering the oil production phase and said revenues from the sector would be invested in long-term infrastructure projects. He said oil money would be directed toward railways, power generation and science education, stressing that the exhaustible resource must be used to build sustainable national capacity.
In closing, Museveni saluted all Ugandans, including those who supported the opposition, and called for unity and stability as the country enters a new term under his leadership.
Speaking before the President, the First Lady Maama Janet Museveni thanked the President, NRM leadership, religious leaders and supporters for their contributions to the victory.
She said the outcome reflected God’s divine purpose and faithfulness, and called on party members and leaders to re-dedicate themselves to service, urging them to work harder in serving the people of God and the nation.
