President Yoweri Museveni, also the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential flagbearer, has said many political conflicts stem from leaders who treat politics as a personal job rather than a service to the people.
The President made the remarks Thursday while addressing a campaign rally at Kaliro Town Council Playground in Lyantonde, where he presented the NRM Manifesto for 2026–2031.
“Politics should never be your livelihood. If you join politics because of money, you are doing the country a disservice. Separate your survival from leadership. With money or without money, you must serve.”
Drawing from his own experience during the liberation struggle, the President reminded the supporters that service, not personal gain, was the foundation of the NRM.
“Who was paying us when we were in the bush? No one. Politics is about the aims of the population and how you relate with them,” he said.
President Museveni also noted that peace remains the NRM’s greatest contribution to Uganda, noting that it did not come by accident but through rejecting sectarian politics and building strong national institutions.
“Peace is not accidental. It came because we rejected the politics of division and built a strong party and strong institutions such as the army, police, judiciary and that is how Uganda became peaceful,” he said.
He echoed remarks earlier made by NRM elder Mzee Mathew Rukikaire, who emphasized unity and inclusiveness within the party.
“NRM welcomes everyone, women, children, youth because everyone is important,” the President said.
Addressing concerns about election-related violence, President Museveni issued a firm warning to those intending to cause chaos.
“I have heard that there are people planning to riot during elections. They should not dare. No one should fear voting or staying home. No one will disrupt Uganda’s peace,” he said.
The President added that peace has allowed generations to grow, work and prosper.
“Because of peace, someone was born 40 years ago, raised children, and we are now enjoying the fruits of stability,” he said.
On infrastructure, the President confirmed that road construction works had already begun on key routes in the region, including Mubende–Kabamba–Nkonji–Ntutsi–Sembabule, with plans to work on Ntutsi–Kasagama–Lyantonde and Lyantonde–Lwamaggwa–Rakai.
“There is a contractor on the ground and the work has started,” he assured residents.