President-elect Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has credited God, the National Resistance Movement (NRM), and Uganda’s security institutions for his victory in the January 15, 2026 presidential election, while outlining key priorities for his next term in office.
Speaking on Sunday at his country home in Rwakitura, Kiruhura District, President Museveni thanked NRM members and leaders for their mobilisation efforts and praised the armed forces for maintaining peace and security during the electoral period.
The Electoral Commission officially announced President Yoweri Museveni as the winner for 2026 presidential elections on Saturday, January 17th at Lubowa EC Head quarters.
According to EC Chairperson Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, the incumbent secured 7,946,772 votes, representing 71.65 per cent of the valid votes cast, well above the constitutional threshold of 50 per cent plus one required for an outright first-round victory.
His closest challenger, National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, finished second with 2,741,238 votes, translating into 24.72 per cent.
Voter turnout stood at 11,366,201 out of 21,649,067 registered voters, representing approximately 52.5 per cent participation. More than 10 million eligible voters did not cast their ballots.
President Museveni acknowledged the role played by religious and cultural leaders in promoting national unity and stability throughout the election period.
He, however, expressed concern over low voter turnout, estimating that nearly 10 million registered voters did not participate in the polls. He said the NRM would study the causes of the low turnout, describing it as a critical test of the party’s organisational strength.
The President-elect also noted that a significant number of spoiled ballots came from NRM supporters, particularly elderly voters, saying this was an issue the party must address.
On security, Museveni warned against violence and disorder, citing incidents where armed groups attempted to disrupt voting in some areas. He said Uganda must remain peaceful and cautioned against actions that could plunge the country into instability.
“Ugandans do not want chaos or a situation like that of Libya,” he said, urging all citizens to safeguard peace.
Outlining priorities for the next kisanja, Museveni said his government would pursue a dual economic strategy focused on supporting wealth creators while lifting the poorest households out of poverty. He said commercial farmers, industrialists, hotel owners and investors would continue to receive support through institutions such as the Uganda Development Bank.
At the same time, he said renewed efforts would target vulnerable households to ensure that all homesteads become economically productive and less susceptible to political manipulation.
Museveni identified the Parish Development Model and skilling hubs as key interventions already offering hope to communities, saying they would be strengthened to tackle household poverty more effectively.
On social services, the President-elect reaffirmed his commitment to free education in government schools and improved healthcare delivery. He said stricter supervision would be enforced to ensure medicines reach public health facilities.
He also acknowledged public anger over corruption and delays in the justice system, pledging tougher action to ensure accountability and fairness. He warned leaders and contractors that road maintenance, particularly for tarmac roads, would be closely monitored.
Turning to the economy, Museveni confirmed that Uganda is entering the oil production phase and said revenues from the sector would be invested in long-term infrastructure.
He said oil income would fund strategic projects such as railways, power generation and science education, stressing that the non-renewable resource must be used to build sustainable national capacity.
In his closing remarks, Museveni thanked all Ugandans, including those who supported opposition candidates, and called for unity and stability as the country enters a new term under his leadership.
Earlier, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, thanked the President, NRM leadership, religious leaders and supporters for their contribution to the victory.
She said the outcome reflected God’s divine purpose and called on party members and leaders to recommit themselves to service, urging them to work harder in serving the people and the nation.
