Museveni warns Bunyoro against sectarian politics

President Yoweri Museveni has warned the people of Bunyoro sub-region to steer clear of tribal and religious politics, describing such tendencies as divisive and detrimental to national unity and development.

Speaking on Saturday during a thanksgiving ceremony hosted by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja at Mpasana Seed Secondary School playground in Bugangaizi East County, Kakumiro district, the President emphasized the need for Ugandans to embrace inclusive and unifying politics.

“Anybody who talks about tribes and religions in politics is an enemy of this country. The contribution of NRM to Uganda is, first and foremost, peace, and peace came from good politics. The politics based on tribalism and religious sectarianism should not be tolerated,” said Museveni.

Museveni attributed the sustained peace and development under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to its consistent commitment to inclusive governance. He encouraged leaders at all levels to promote national unity and commended the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) for their professionalism and role in maintaining peace and securing Uganda’s borders.

The President further urged citizens in Bunyoro and across the country to actively engage in wealth creation initiatives such as commercial agriculture, industrialization, and services. He emphasized that true transformation stems from economic empowerment.

“While infrastructure like roads, electricity, schools, and hospitals are vital, true transformation comes through wealth creation,” he said.

Museveni highlighted the Parish Development Model (PDM) as a key government initiative to transition Ugandans from subsistence to the money economy. He also advocated for his four-acre model of farming, allocating one acre each for coffee, fruits, food crops, and pasture to diversify household incomes.

He noted that backyard piggery and poultry farming can supplement this model. Museveni praised Nabbanja for her hard work and loyalty, which he said earned her senior government appointments.

In her remarks, Nabbanja thanked the President for his trust and support, attributing her rise in public service to dedication and diligence. During the event, Bugangaizi East MP Aisha Agaba raised concerns about alleged extortion by members of the Kakumiro District Service Commission, claiming that job seekers were being conned despite failing to make it to the shortlist. She called for presidential intervention.

Religious leaders present called for integrity and peaceful engagement ahead of the 2026 elections. Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere of Kampala Archdiocese urged civil servants to serve with honesty, while Bishop Jacob Ateirweho of Bunyoro Kitara Diocese emphasized the importance of peaceful campaigns.

Mufti Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje prayed for national peace before, during, and after the elections. Kakumiro LC5 chairperson Joseph Senkusu Sentayi also appealed to the government to address the shortage of teachers and health workers in the district.