In a world where most leaders retreat to the comfort of retirement after decades of service, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni continues to defy convention. With the serene hills of Rwakitura offering peace and rest, he instead chooses the path of relentless service—championing Uganda’s economic independence with unmatched vigor.
His decision to seek another term in 2026 is not born out of personal ambition, but a deep-seated commitment to completing the transformation he began nearly four decades ago.
Uganda stands at a pivotal moment, and Museveni’s continued leadership offers the stability and vision needed to propel the nation into a new era of prosperity.
From the outset, Museveni’s leadership has been defined by a clear economic doctrine: self-reliance, industrialization, and inclusive growth. His government has consistently prioritized policies that empower Ugandans to create wealth within their borders.
In his 2023/24 budget address, Museveni emphasized that Uganda’s economy was projected to reach USD 55.2 billion, but with value addition to raw materials, it could soar to USD 550 billion. “No games, no delays, no corruption—Uganda is unstoppable,” he declared, underscoring his belief that the country’s potential lies in harnessing its own resources.
This vision has translated into tangible interventions. The push for industrialization has seen the establishment of multiple industrial parks, such as the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park, which alone has created over 15,000 jobs. These parks are not just job centers—they are engines of transformation, reducing Uganda’s dependence on imports and positioning it as a regional manufacturing hub. Through the Buy Uganda, Build Uganda (BUBU) policy, Museveni has encouraged citizens to support local production, reinforcing the idea that economic independence begins with domestic consumption.
Import substitution and export promotion have yielded impressive results. Uganda has saved approximately $3.6 billion through reduced imports, while industrial exports have earned $1.6 billion. These figures reflect the success of small industries and the growing confidence in Uganda’s manufacturing sector. Museveni has repeatedly urged Ugandans to embrace locally made goods, stating that every purchase of a Ugandan product is a vote for national development.
Yet, economic transformation is not solely about factories and exports—it is about people. Recognizing the importance of inclusive growth, Museveni has invested heavily in youth skilling. The Presidential Industrial Hubs across the country have trained over 15,480 youth and women in vocational skills ranging from tailoring to carpentry and agriculture. In August 2025 alone, 4,560 trainees were admitted for a six-month program, receiving certificates and startup capital to launch their own enterprises. Plans are underway to establish a TVET University, ensuring that vocational graduates can pursue higher education without the constraints of traditional academic pathways. This is not just skilling—it is liberation.
Infrastructure development has been another cornerstone of Museveni’s economic strategy. Roads, electricity, and transport systems have expanded dramatically under his leadership. In Kabale Municipality, the completion of three major roads under the USMID program—worth UGX 21.72 billion—has boosted trade and mobility. Rural electrification projects, such as the UGX 21 billion investment in Mubende, have connected thousands to the national grid, enabling business growth and improving quality of life. Museveni has also emphasized affordable transport systems, including rail and water transport, to unlock regional markets and reduce logistical costs. He often reminds citizens that infrastructure is a facilitator of wealth creation, but its true value lies in how it is used.
Beyond economics, Museveni’s leadership is rooted in a powerful ideological foundation—patriotism and Pan-Africanism. He has consistently warned against tribalism and sectarianism, advocating instead for unity and shared interests. “Our people belong to different tribes and religions, but they have similar needs—food, jobs, shelter,” he said during the 2023 Independence Day celebrations. His vision is not just for Uganda, but for a United States of Africa, where prosperity is shared and borders do not divide.
At 80, Museveni has confirmed his intention to run in 2026, pledging to grow Uganda’s GDP from $66 billion to $500 billion within five years. Critics may question his longevity in office, but Museveni counters with experience. “Some people think that being in government for a long time is a bad thing. But the more you stay, the more you learn. I am now an expert in governance,” he stated. His track record supports this claim—Uganda has moved from economic collapse to sustained growth, from instability to regional influence.
Museveni’s continued leadership is not about clinging to power—it is about completing a mission. His metaphor of being a “good shepherd” who lays down his life for the sheep is not just biblical—it is deeply personal. He has chosen service over comfort, sacrifice over retirement. Uganda is blessed to have such a leader, one who sees beyond personal gain and envisions a future where every citizen can thrive.
As the 2026 elections approach, Ugandans must reflect on the journey so far. The foundations have been laid—industrial parks, skilled youth, electrified villages, expanding roads. But the journey is far from over. Disrupting this momentum risks undoing decades of progress. Museveni’s bid is not just another campaign—it is a call to consolidate gains, deepen transformation, and secure Uganda’s place on the global stage.
A vote for Museveni is a vote for continuity, stability, and prosperity. It is a vote for a leader who has given his life to this nation, and who continues to work tirelessly for its future. Uganda must once again trust him with the mandate to steer the country forward—for the next five years, and for generations to come.
The writer is the Deputy Resident City Commissioner for Nakawa Division.
