Busoga rallies behind the NRM as leaders promise development, unity, and empowerment
The rolling hills and lakeside plains of Mayuge District turned yellow and gold on Friday as thousands of jubilant National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters converged at Bukizibu Primary School Grounds in Malongo Sub-county, Bunya South.
The massive rally, one of the largest political mobilisations in Busoga Subregion this year, was led by the Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second National Vice Chairperson (Female), Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among.
The event, hosted by area Member of Parliament Hon. Iddi Isabirye, attracted tens of thousands of NRM loyalists — the so-called Bazzukulu ba Museven — who gathered in anticipation of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s planned visit to the district next month.
Speaker Among urged the people of Mayuge to stand firm with the NRM and to prepare to welcome the President, who is also the party’s flagbearer for the 2026 elections, when he visits on November 18, 2025.
“Mayuge has always stood with the NRM and with President Museveni. Let us maintain that spirit and show him love when he comes here next month. Development comes where there is unity and loyalty,” she said, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
Strengthening the NRM Base Ahead of 2026
Speaker Among’s visit marked a critical step in re-energising NRM’s grassroots structures in Busoga, a region often described as the political heartbeat of eastern Uganda.
Her message was clear — unity, discipline, and visible results will determine the strength of the party going into the 2026 general elections.
The Speaker reminded residents that the NRM’s record of peace, security, and socio-economic transformation under President Museveni is unmatched, and urged them not to be swayed by opposition propaganda.
“A protest vote is a curse vote,” she said. “We must vote for someone whose works we can see — the schools, hospitals, roads, and peace we all enjoy under President Museveni.”
Promises of Development and Accountability
Among used the platform to address several key concerns raised by local leaders, including infrastructure, land rights, and economic empowerment.
She revealed that the long-awaited 62-kilometre Iganga–Mayuge Road has been included in the national development plan and would soon be upgraded to boost transport, trade, and access to social services.
She further reassured residents over the contentious South Busoga Forest land issue, emphasizing that the government will protect lawful occupants.
“Government will not allow any injustice to be done to the people of South Busoga. You are the rightful custodians of this land,” she declared.
In her address, Speaker Among also announced ongoing efforts to finalize a new sugarcane law designed to streamline the sugar industry and safeguard the interests of both farmers and millers.
She highlighted the progress of the Parish Development Model (PDM), revealing that a special fund has been established to support fishing communities, with each parish expected to receive Shs15 million.
This funding, she said, will empower local leaders such as LC I and LC II chairpersons and parish chiefs to champion grassroots development.
Among thanked President Museveni for maintaining peace and stability in Busoga and across Uganda, revealing that Shs1.3 billion has already been allocated for road works in Mayuge District.
She also announced that plans are underway to upgrade Mayuge Hospital, promising close parliamentary oversight to ensure transparency and proper utilization of government funds.
Youth and Grassroots Mobilisation
The rally also drew young leaders and members of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), an emerging pro-Museveni civic group.
PLU Secretary General and Kasambya County MP, Hon. David Kabanda, called on the youth to guard President Museveni’s vote ahead of the 2026 elections.
“Our task is simple — protect Jajja Museveni’s vote until January 2026. Do not be misled by political opportunists. The future belongs to those who stay loyal to the truth,” Kabanda urged.
He challenged the youth to see beyond short-term political promises and invest their energy in consolidating the peace and progress ushered in by the NRM government.
Namyalo’s Call for Unity and Empowerment
The rally’s special guest, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs and Head of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), delivered a rousing address that electrified the crowd.
“The Speaker has breathed new life into our party structures. The energy she brings is what NRM needs as we prepare for 2026,” Namyalo said.
She urged Busoga residents not to repeat the “mistake of 2021” when some constituencies voted for the opposition and later missed out on development programs.
“To the people of Busoga, let’s not repeat the mistake of 2021 when some areas followed the NUP wave and lost out on development opportunities. This time vote wisely and secure your future,” Namyalo told the cheering crowd.
Namyalo reaffirmed ONC’s commitment to supporting women, youth, boda boda riders, taxi operators, and other organised community groups through empowerment programs designed to boost household incomes and self-reliance.
“Let’s put aside our differences and work together for one cause — victory for President Museveni and development for Uganda,” she said, as chants of “Jajja oyee!” echoed across the field.
The Spirit of NRM in Busoga
The rally brought together a cross-section of political heavyweights from the Busoga Subregion, including Hon. Bwiire Sanon Nadeeba (Bulamogi), Hon. Moses Grace Balyeku (Jinja South West), Hon. Solomon Silwany (Bukhooli Central), Hon. Milton Muwuuma (Kigulu South), Hon. Ekoro Alex (Bunya East), Hon. Mpaata Saleh (Bunya South), Ziija David (Mayuge LC5 Flagbearer), and Bagyire Aggrey (Bunya West and Mayuge NRM Chairperson).
Their attendance underscored the unity of purpose among NRM leaders determined to consolidate the party’s stronghold in Busoga — a region historically loyal to President Museveni but increasingly contested by opposition movements.
The day ended in jubilation, music, and renewed commitment as the crowd vowed to turn out in even greater numbers when the President visits in November.
The Bigger Picture
As Uganda gears up for the 2026 general elections, the Mayuge mobilisation drive reflects a broader NRM strategy to rekindle grassroots loyalty through direct engagement, service delivery, and empowerment.
Under the stewardship of Speaker Among and the coordination of ONC’s Hajjat Namyalo, the ruling party is combining political mobilisation with tangible action — from roads and health centers to youth financing and farmer support.
In Busoga, the message is clear: loyalty to NRM is not just political; it is seen as the gateway to lasting peace, prosperity, and development.
As one elderly supporter put it, “Museveni brought light where there was darkness. We are not just voting for a man; we are voting for a legacy.”
