Museveni Targets Gomba: NRM Expands Its Reach in Opposition Heartland

President Yoweri Museveni has intensified his campaign efforts ahead of the 2026 elections, taking his message to Gomba District, a region historically loyal to National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, better known as Bobi Wine. The rally, attended by thousands of supporters, marked a significant push by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) to secure new ground in areas where opposition sentiment has traditionally held sway.

In his address, Museveni highlighted one of his administration’s key achievements: the preservation of peace in Uganda. He pointed to the country’s stability, despite being surrounded by nations grappling with conflict. “Uganda is at peace, and anyone who dares to disturb that peace will regret it,” he declared confidently, reinforcing the NRM’s position as the guarantor of national security.

The President further emphasized the role of development in shaping Uganda’s future, calling out leaders who fail to support government initiatives effectively. He announced plans for significant infrastructural improvements in the region, including the rehabilitation of roads like the Kifampa–Bugomora–Kyamulibwa–Villa Maria and the Kanoni–Maanyi–Mityana–Ssekanyonyi–Busunju roads. Museveni also committed to extending electricity to more sub-counties that remain off the national grid.
However, Museveni made it clear that infrastructure alone cannot address the country’s poverty challenges. “Roads and electricity are vital, but they will not lift your households out of poverty if you remain unproductive,” he warned. He urged Gomba residents to adopt more sustainable farming practices, promoting his government’s four-acre agricultural model, which integrates coffee, fruits, livestock, and fish farming to boost household incomes.

The President also urged Ugandans to take advantage of the Parish Development Model (PDM), which provides Shs100 million annually to each parish. He cautioned against the mismanagement of these funds, promising to hold anyone accountable who attempts to steal from the program. He also encouraged Ugandans aged 18 and above to join local SACCOs to benefit from this initiative.

In a strong message of loyalty, NRM Vice Chairperson Alhaji Moses Kigongo addressed party members, insisting that true support for the NRM means backing the party fully, from the top leadership down to local candidates. “You cannot say you support the bus and yet vote against it,” Kigongo emphasized, urging Gomba residents to back Museveni and all NRM flag bearers without division.

Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among, who also addressed the rally, expressed her pride in the large turnout, noting that it was a clear indication of the NRM’s growing support in what has traditionally been Bobi Wine’s stronghold. She also highlighted some of the local demands, including the completion of critical road networks, the establishment of a regional referral hospital, and the provision of irrigation systems and piped water.

The rally also saw a focus on local concerns, with leaders like Among reminding Museveni of his promises to the region, including the establishment of a university following the closure of Kabulasoke Primary Teachers’ College. She also called for greater attention to the needs of the agricultural community, highlighting the importance of irrigation to combat the challenges posed by erratic weather patterns.

The Gomba rally reflected the NRM’s dual strategy of expanding its influence into opposition territories while maintaining party discipline and unity within its ranks. As Uganda approaches the 2026 elections, it is clear that the ruling party is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to solidify its support and assert its dominance over areas traditionally aligned with the opposition.