Bugweri, Namutumba painted yellow as Museveni courts voters

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The neighbouring districts of Bugweri and Namutumba were on Monday (November 17) painted yellow as National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate and incumbent, Yoweri Museveni, campaigned for re-election in the 2026 general election.

At Kyabazinga Grounds in Busesa Town Council, Bugweri, where Museveni held his first rally of the day, crowds began gathering as early as 7:30 am.

Musicians, including Gravity Omutujju and Phina Mugerwa, also known as Phina Masanyalaze, energised the NRM supporters with lively performances. Masanyalaze’s ability to wriggle her waist effortlessly captivated the people of Bugweri.

They were later joined on stage by former Vice President Dr Specioza Wandira Kazibwe and area MPs and candidates, including Aminah Mutesi Nalugoda, the Bugweri NRM woman parliamentary flagbearer. The sight of Kazibwe and Nalugoda dancing paka chini and displaying other dance strokes impressed the crowds.

In Namutumba town council, where Museveni held his second and final rally of the day, NRM supporters walked along several streets carrying banners and chanting Museveni’s name. Many wore yellow T-shirts and overalls, while others branded their vehicles with campaign posters of Museveni and area parliamentary candidates.

The atmosphere at the venue, Namutumba district headquarters grounds, was further lifted by local entertainment groups including Nakibale Cultural Group, Tugezyeku Group and Tebongoka Group. The rhythmic sound of drums filled the air as residents spontaneously broke into traditional Kisoga dances while waiting for the presidential candidate.

A highlight for onlookers was the energetic bare-chested performance by dancer Fred Kalimungabo.

Adding to the excitement, members of the Patriotic League of Uganda ran through the town council waving flags bearing images of Museveni and their patron, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is also the Chief of Defence Forces.

Emmanuel Maganda Katooko, the NRM flagbearer for Bukono County MP seat, praised Museveni for the progress made over the last 40 years.

“We are happy to see the President. We are ready to give him the votes and any other support up to almost 90%. We are protecting the gains for us as Namutumba,” Maganda stated.

He pointed to achievements such as the upgrade of several health centres, the construction of Seed Schools in areas including Nangonde and Kibale, and the recent recruitment of teachers.

At both rallies, Museveni arrived in his security convoy along with the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs Janet Museveni.

Museveni is campaigning for a seventh term in office under the theme: Protecting the Gains, Making a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status.

The theme focuses on safeguarding the achievements recorded since January 1986, particularly peace and development, while aiming to propel Uganda to high middle-income status.

Other highlighted gains include wealth creation initiatives, job opportunities, strengthened service delivery, expanded markets and advances towards East African political federation.