Robert Kyagulanyi Promises Democratic Reset for Uganda

The National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu has renewed his pledge to end Uganda’s era of extended rule by a single leader, saying a government under his watch would restore what he called real democracy.

Addressing supporters at Opit Primary School playground in Opit Town Council, Omoro District, on Thursday, Kyagulanyi said President Yoweri Museveni’s nearly four decades in power are “more than enough,” arguing that Uganda is overdue for a peaceful transition.

He told the crowd that despite President Museveni’s long stay in power, communities such as Omoro “still lack even the most basic services.” He cited poor roads, dilapidated schools, and under-resourced health centres as evidence that political longevity has not translated into improved livelihoods.  

Kyagulanyi also castigated state security agencies for what he described as the continued harassment of opposition supporters during campaigns, noting that many of the officers involved “have families suffering in the same poverty as everyone else.”

He attributed Uganda’s persistent struggles to entrenched corruption, nepotism, and what he termed misplaced budget priorities. The NUP leader criticised the government for spending heavily on presidential comforts while citizens remain without basic services.

Kyagulanyi dismissed President Museveni’s recent promise to distribute five cows to each Acholi household as “political propaganda,” arguing that the state should first compensate Acholi families who lost livestock during past conflicts, a demand, he says, the government has ignored for 40 years. 

If re-elected next year, President Museveni would mark 40 years in power, cementing his place among Africa’s longest-serving leaders. Museveni first assumed office in January 1986.

Unveiling selected points of his manifesto, Kyagulanyi pledged to prioritise better pay for teachers and medical workers, strengthen independent institutions, and invest in ambulances rather than additional police patrol vehicles. He said these reforms would lay the foundation for a “new Uganda” built on accountable leadership and the rule of law.

The Opit rally unfolded under heavy police and military deployment, which security officials said was intended to maintain order and protect businesses. Kyagulanyi, however, insisted that the visible presence of security forces was meant to intimidate opposition supporters. He nonetheless praised the hundreds who attended for their “courage and desire for a better future.”

Kyagulanyi, who secured 35.08 per cent in the 2021 presidential race against Museveni’s 58.38 per cent, rejected those results, alleging electoral irregularities. The NUP leader is expected to continue his campaign trail in Nwoya and Amuru districts on Friday, before heading to Gulu City for rallies on Saturday.