President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has attributed Uganda’s enduring peace and stability to the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) ideology of unity, discipline, and non-sectarianism, emphasizing that the rejection of tribal and religious divisions has been central to the country’s progress.
Addressing thousands of residents at Zombo Upper Primary School grounds on Saturday evening, President Museveni said the peace currently enjoyed across Uganda is not accidental but a direct result of the values championed by the NRM since its inception.
“For the first time in a long time, there is peace in the whole of Uganda, largely due to the principles of the NRM,” he declared. “A key factor in this peace is our ideology of rejecting sectarianism based on religion or tribes. If you support sectarianism based on tribes or religion, how can you effectively build a national army?”
The President explained that before the NRM took power, Uganda had been destabilized by divisions rooted in tribalism and religious discrimination, which had weakened national institutions and fostered conflict.
He noted that the NRM government deliberately dismantled these divisions by building inclusive systems that unite Ugandans under a shared identity rather than narrow sectarian interests.
According to Museveni, national peace and unity have allowed the country to make tremendous gains in economic growth, infrastructure, and social transformation over the last three decades.
He told the gathering that the current stability has provided a fertile ground for investment, education, and healthcare improvements across all regions of Uganda, including the West Nile subregion.
President Museveni also used the opportunity to acknowledge and respond to key concerns raised by Zombo residents, particularly the need for a district hospital and better road connectivity.
He assured the people of Zombo that the government would prioritize these issues as part of its ongoing efforts to improve service delivery and ensure equitable development across the country.
“I have heard your appeal for a hospital and improved roads,” the President said. “We shall address these matters because the NRM believes in balanced development that reaches every Ugandan, no matter where they live.”
The President commended the residents for maintaining peace and supporting government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), which he said aims to transform household incomes by promoting productivity at the grassroots level.
He reminded the crowd that peace and security are the foundation of development, urging them to remain vigilant and united in protecting Uganda’s gains.
President Museveni’s visit to Zombo was part of his campaign tour of the West Nile subregion, where he has been meeting residents, local leaders, and NRM supporters to discuss government achievements and future priorities.
Throughout his tour, the President has reiterated that the NRM’s mission is to consolidate national unity, expand economic opportunities, and ensure that every Ugandan benefits from the country’s stability.
He has also emphasized the importance of ideology in shaping Uganda’s success story, explaining that peace without the right political foundation cannot endure.
“The NRM’s ideology is what holds the country together,” he said. “It guides our actions, helps us avoid the mistakes of the past, and ensures that all Ugandans share in the progress we are making.”
President Museveni’s message resonated strongly with the people of Zombo, who cheered and waved NRM flags as he concluded his speech. Many residents expressed appreciation for the government’s commitment to addressing their challenges and sustaining peace in the region.
As part of his itinerary, President Museveni will continue his campaign engagements in the West Nile subregion. He is scheduled to hold rallies in Obongi and Madi-Okollo Districts on Monday, October 13, followed by visits to Yumbe and Koboko on Tuesday.
The rallies are expected to reinforce the NRM’s message of peace, service delivery, and inclusive development — themes that have defined President Museveni’s 2025 campaign trail and his call for unity across all regions of Uganda.
