Top leaders of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party including the Deputy Secretary General Rt. Hon. Rose Namayanja, Cabinet Ministers and Buganda-region Members of Parliament, today descended on Rwebitakuri Seed Secondary School in Mawogola West, Sembabule District for the much publicized “Buganda for Museveni” rally, hosted by State Minister for Health Hon. Anifa Kawooya who also serves as area MP.
The rally kicked off with party colors flying high, vuvuzelas loud and supporters chanting pro-Museveni slogans, reaffirming allegiance to President Yoweri Museveni, ahead of what many say could be his sixth re-election campaign in 2026.
The gathering, while celebratory was clearly designed to reignite the NRM base in Buganda, a region where political winds have been shifting especially after the sudden rise of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) in the 2021 elections.
“This is not just a rally. It’s a reminder to the people of Buganda that the NRM built the roads they drive on, the schools their children attend and the health centers that saved lives during COVID-19,” said Namayanja, as a crowd of yellow clad supporters cheered.
Hon. Anifa Kawooya, the rally host, took to the microphone and hailed President Museveni’s “unwavering love” for the region and his vision for socioeconomic transformation, citing infrastructure, education and health services in Sembabule as evidence of NRM’s footprint.
While the event celebrated NRM’s achievements, political observers saw a strategic plan to revive support in a region that now finds itself torn between historical loyalty to Museveni and rising youth discontent.
The rally comes as whispers of Museveni’s potential candidacy for 2026 grow louder. Yet, NRM remains tight lipped about succession talks, focusing instead on consolidating support starting with Buganda once considered a guaranteed NRM stronghold.
In 2021 elections, Sembabule remained one of the few Buganda districts where NRM held firm amidst a red wave of opposition.
The “Buganda for Museveni” campaign appears to be an early pro-active strike reminding voters that the yellow bus still has fuel, ambition and a message.
However, opposition argue that rallies aren’t development and that promises made must match realities on the ground especially in rural districts grappling with poverty, youth unemployment and underfunded schools.
