Kampala, Uganda – In a significant move signalling the kick-off of its campaign for the 2026 general elections, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has officially unveiled the portrait and slogan for its presidential flagbearer, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The event, held on August 19, 2025, at the NRM headquarters in Kyadondo, Kampala, marks a key milestone as the ruling party gears up to renew its mandate.
The newly revealed campaign theme, “Protecting the Gains as We Make a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status,” encapsulates the party’s focus on safeguarding Uganda’s achievements while pushing for further economic advancement. According to NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, this slogan builds on a legacy of evolving themes that have guided the Movement since 1986, including the original 10-Point Programme, “Tackling the Tasks Ahead,” “Consolidating Achievements,” “Prosperity for All,” “Peace, Unity and Transformation,” “Steady Progress,” and “Securing Your Future.” Todwong highlighted Uganda’s robust economic growth, noting an annual rate of about 7% and a GDP nearing $45 billion, positioning the country on the cusp of middle-income status.
Al-Hajji Moses Kigongo, the 1st National Vice Chairman, who led the unveiling alongside second national vice chairperson Rebecca Kadaga, described the theme as a call to action. “Our journey has not been easy, but through discipline, unity, and the support of Ugandans, we have reached this point. This theme is a call to protect the gains we have made together and to boldly step forward into a future of shared prosperity,” Kigongo stated. He urged party members to prioritize persuasion, humility, and respect in their campaigns, emphasizing that “force cannot win hearts.” Kigongo also appealed to Ugandans to support NRM, saying, “We respect the citizens because they have supported us since we came to power. We have opened up a new chapter, going back to the drawing board to see how we are going to start afresh.”
The official poster features President Museveni donning his signature white hat and shirt against a vibrant yellow background, symbolizing the NRM’s colors. Prominently displayed are the words “PRESIDENT 2026 2031” with a checkmark and the NRM logo, followed by “YOWERI MUSEVENI” in bold black letters accented by the Ugandan flag’s red, yellow, and black stripes. The slogan appears at the bottom in striking text. Emmanuel Dombo, NRM Director for Information and Publicity, confirmed that this design will serve as the official brand for all campaign materials, including posters, t-shirts, and caps.
Todwong further underscored the party’s strengths, boasting over 2 million leaders from recent primaries and unparalleled sponsorship capabilities from village to national levels. “We are a party that doesn’t compete with anybody but with issues. We have gained by far in all sectors. We can speak about peace, infrastructure, health, agriculture, and security,” he said.
Looking ahead, Senior Presidential Advisor Moses Byaruhanga announced that a committee is finalizing the NRM’s 2026-2031 manifesto, which will outline past achievements and future plans to achieve high middle-income status. The manifesto is expected to be launched post-nominations.
This unveiling comes amid growing political activity in Uganda, with opposition parties like the National Unity Platform (NUP) also rolling out their campaigns. As the 2026 elections approach, NRM’s message of continuity and progress is set to dominate the narrative, rallying supporters under the banner of protecting hard-won gains.
Stay tuned to Trending UG for more updates on Uganda’s political landscape and election developments.
