President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni last evening received the declaration of his re-election as President of Uganda, pledging to prioritize poverty eradication, national unity, and disciplined governance in his new term.
President Museveni was on January 17 declared the winner of the recently concluded presidential elections at Lubowa, after securing more than 7.9 million votes (71.6 percent), according to provisional Electoral Commission figures.
He was officially presented with the declaration form by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC) at his country home in Rwakitura.
He defeated his main challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine of the opposition National Unity Platform, who polled over 2.7 million votes (24.4 percent), alongside six other candidates.
In his acceptance remarks, President Museveni began by thanking God and the First Lady, Maama Janet Museveni, for her steadfast support during what he described as 55 years of struggle since 1971.
He credited the victory to collective effort, praising NRM members, party leaders, and institutions that he said played a critical role.
The President also acknowledged the contribution of national institutions and community leaders, including the armed forces, religious leaders, and cultural leaders.
Reflecting on voter turnout, President Museveni noted that a significant number of NRM supporters did not vote, a matter he said the party must study going forward.
According to the Electoral Commission, a total of 11.33 million votes were cast on January 15, 2026, out of 21.64 million registered voters.
President Museveni highlighted government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and presidential skilling hubs, saying they have begun to restore hope among Ugandans.
However, he acknowledged uneven implementation and said the government must critically assess what is working and what is not.
On security, the President warned against what he described as isolated acts of violence linked to political extremism, while stressing that peace in Uganda is maintained not only by security forces but also by citizens themselves.
He cautioned groups he accused of working with foreign interests to abandon violence.
Looking ahead to the new term, President Museveni outlined two broad economic priorities: supporting wealth creators to grow the economy and intensifying efforts to eliminate household poverty.
He emphasized the importance of free education in government schools, improved healthcare delivery, and strict action against corruption.
On job creation, the President said the focus would remain on agriculture, manufacturing, and private sector growth rather than public service employment.
Turning to regional integration and natural resources, President Museveni said Uganda’s internal market is insufficient on its own and identified the East African Community as a critical economic opportunity.
He confirmed that Uganda’s oil production is expected to begin this year and said revenues would be invested in long-term national assets.
The President cautioned against proposals to directly distribute oil revenues to local governments, arguing that oil is a finite resource that must be managed prudently.
By Muggaga Kiggwe
19th Jan 2026
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