Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, former Vice President Dr. Speciosa Kazibwe, and East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament Veronica Babirye Kadogo have called on Busoga residents to rediscover their historical support for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and turn out in large numbers to protect the region’s gains in the forthcoming elections scheduled for 15 January 2026.
Addressing mobilisation rallies for NRM flag bearers at a rally in Buyende district on Monday, Among urged voters to embrace politics based on ideology and service delivery rather than identity and division, warning that divisive politics undermine development and social harmony.
“We should focus on ideology and service delivery, not identity, personal issues, or hate speech. Let us stop living in the past, grow out of illusions, and embrace leadership that prioritises development,” Among said.
She challenged Busoga to aim beyond an ordinary victory and instead deliver what she described as an “excellence performance” for President Yoweri Museveni and NRM candidates, with Budiope positioning itself as a leading district in the region based on the President’s vote share.
“We are not here just to mobilise a win. We want a win with distinction, a top-level performance that gives us a strong basis to bargain for the best for the people of Budiope,” she said.
Among dismissed opposition pledges as populist and misleading, urging voters to assess leadership based on tangible development outcomes.
“The Umbrella people are saying that in their first 100 days they will scrap the Parish Development Model. Do you really not need it? We are instead going to increase it and even create a wealth fund for those who do not qualify under PDM. Ignore empty propaganda and stick with Mzee and his team,” she told supporters.
She pledged continued support to Budiope, describing herself as a daughter-in-law committed to safeguarding the region’s gains, and outlined priorities for the next term including the establishment of a district hospital, expansion of piped water, operationalisation of the Bukungu ferry, rural electrification, and improved road networks.
“Vote leaders who understand you and will speak for you. If you love Uganda, speak well of it and protect development programmes such as tractors and markets for every sub-county and the Shs1 billion fund for the fishing community,” Among urged.
Former Vice President Dr. Speciosa Kazibwe called on Busoga leaders and communities to unite, overcome internal divisions, and reclaim the region’s traditional status as an NRM stronghold.
“President Museveni has repeatedly pointed out that internal fights and divisions are what keep Busoga lagging behind and trap our people in poverty. I will personally engage my sisters and leaders to harmonise and refocus on service delivery,” Kazibwe said.
EALA MP and former Buyende Woman MP Veronica Babirye Kadogo emphasised the importance of unity and collective effort, saying Busoga’s leaders should complement rather than compete against one another.
“We can serve our people in different capacities and positions. What matters is supporting one another and harnessing our shared potential for the common good of Budiope,” Kadogo said.
The leaders concluded by urging voters to turn out peacefully and in large numbers to support NRM candidates and consolidate development gains in Busoga.
