Introduction

On November 21, 2025, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni held a landmark campaign rally at Bugembe Stadium, widely referred to as Kyabazinga Stadium, in Jinja City, marking the culmination of his week-long political engagement across the Busoga sub-region. This event not only rallied thousands of supporters but also underscored the enduring political influence of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and its leader as Uganda approaches the 2026 elections. This post offers a comprehensive account of the rally, including key messages, government development plans, political implications, and the historical significance of the event.

Background of the Campaign Trail in Busoga Sub-region

Building political momentum in the eastern region of Uganda has been a strategic priority for President Museveni and the NRM as part of their re-election campaign. Over the preceding week, Museveni traversed multiple districts within Busoga, including Iganga, Buyende, and Kaliro, engaging with local communities and stakeholders. These rallies focused heavily on the party’s development record, social welfare programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga initiative, and the broader vision of national cohesion and economic prosperity.

Event Details at Bugembe Stadium

Bugembe Stadium served as the vibrant hub for the rally, welcoming a cross-section of Ugandan society including party officials, local leaders, youth groups, and supporters loyal to Museveni and the NRM. The stadium’s location in Jinja, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and economic significance, provided a symbolic and strategic venue for this pivotal rally.

Key attendees included Moses Batwala, the Jinja District NRM Chairperson, who expressed appreciation for the government's ongoing support programs impacting livelihoods in the district. Moreover, national-level officials such as NRM First National Vice Chairman Alhajji Moses Kigongo stressed the importance of political unity and collective action moving forward into the elections.

Museveni’s Key Campaign Messages

At the rally, President Museveni elaborated on the NRM’s 2026–2031 manifesto, anchored on seven core contributions that have marked his tenure over the last 40 years:

1. Peace: Establishing and maintaining national stability, critical for development.

2. Development: Infrastructure and social services expansion across Uganda.

3. Wealth Creation: Promoting economic growth through agriculture and industry.

4. Job Creation: Efforts aimed at reducing unemployment, especially among youth.

5. Service Delivery: Improving access to health, education, and utilities.

6. Economic Integration: Enhancing regional trade and cooperation within East Africa.

7. East African Federation Vision: Long-term regional political and economic unity.

Museveni urged supporters to confidently defend the NRM legacy using these points as evidence of effective governance and transformative leadership.

Groundbreaking of the Busoga Kingdom Headquarters

A major highlight preceding the rally was the official groundbreaking ceremony for the Busoga Kingdom Headquarters and multi-purpose infrastructure complex in Bugembe. This development, budgeted at around UGX 80 billion for the main buildings plus an additional UGX 50 billion allocated for cultural facilities, represents a significant investment in preserving the Busoga Kingdom’s cultural heritage while enhancing administrative capacity.

The complex will feature:

• An administration block

• Commercial facilities

• A cultural village

• A museum

• A TV station to broadcast cultural and regional content

These developments aim to boost cultural pride, create jobs, and foster local economic growth.

Socio-Political Dynamics

While the combined rally for Jinja City and Jinja District was generally successful, there were initial concerns from certain leaders about merging the two political entities. Moses Batwala publicly expressed that the district needed a platform to raise specific local issues separately. However, the rally’s success highlighted the necessity of cooperation and political unity within the region, especially as Uganda heads towards a critical election.

Impact on the Upcoming 2026 Elections

The Bugembe Stadium rally solidified President Museveni’s support base in the key Busoga sub-region. The event underscored the NRM’s ongoing grassroots outreach strategy, which leverages direct engagement with voters, promises of development, and highlighting past achievements to rally electoral support.

The messaging focused on peace and economic progress aims to resonate deeply with Ugandans wary of political instability and eager for sustained development. Given Museveni’s long incumbency, such rallies help reinforce his image as a custodian of national unity and growth.

Cultural Significance of Bugembe and Busoga

Jinja and the broader Busoga region hold immense cultural importance for Uganda. The establishment of the new Kingdom Headquarters symbolizes a renewed focus on cultural identity within modern governance frameworks. The Government’s investment in cultural infrastructure alongside political campaigns sends a message that development will honor Uganda’s diverse heritage.

Conclusion

President Yoweri Museveni’s rally at Bugembe Stadium on November 21, 2025, not only marked the end of a successful campaign tour in Busoga but also reinforced his political narrative of protection, progress, and unity. By combining government development projects with clear electoral messaging, Museveni and the NRM aim to secure continued confidence in their leadership ahead of the 2026 elections.

This momentous rally showcased the strategic importance of the Busoga region, the power of grassroots mobilization, and the enduring influence of Uganda's longest-serving leader.