Museveni on voter bribery became a central theme during President Yoweri Museveni’s address in Kituntu sub-county, Mpigi District, as he concluded his zonal Parish Development Model (PDM) tour in Greater Mpigi. Speaking directly to voters, he urged Ugandans to reject vote buying and instead elect leaders based on principles and the national good.
“Why should you be influenced and throw away your power to elect your desired candidate? When someone brings money, avoid them. You have the power—don’t throw it away,” Museveni stressed.
With the 2026 general elections approaching, Museveni’s remarks come as both a warning and a guide to safeguarding democracy from the influence of corrupt money.
2026 Elections: Reforming Democracy
The President addressed past concerns about electoral malpractice. He claimed that the opposition rigged 2.7 million votes in the 2021 elections due to the negligence of NRM operatives. To prevent a repeat, he announced the introduction of biometric voting machines.
“We now have biometric machines to ensure everyone votes only once. Vote rigging will not be tolerated,” he declared.
This anti-rigging move aligns with his broader campaign for ethical political conduct and voter education as the country heads into another crucial election cycle.
Voter Bribery and Uganda’s Path to Prosperity
Museveni used real-life examples to link his anti-bribery message to national development. He cited beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model, including Rashida Namubiru and Deborah Namutebi, who have used government support to lift their households out of poverty through farming and animal husbandry.
He emphasized that while government services like roads, health centers, and schools are for all, personal wealth must be individually earned. Voter bribery, he warned, derails long-term transformation by prioritizing temporary personal gain over sustainable leadership.
“When you go home, you’ll still find the poverty you left behind. That’s why NRM is not in politics for show but to help you escape poverty,” Museveni noted.
Building Self-Reliant Communities Through PDM
The President outlined the PDM’s financial structure: each parish will receive Shs 100 million annually, totaling Shs 500 million in five years. Recovered loans will raise the fund to Shs 800 million, eliminating the need for exploitative moneylenders.
He reassured the public that development is only sustainable if communities choose leaders who prioritize national interest over handouts. In his view, a bribe compromises the future and undermines all government programs aimed at lifting people from poverty.
Museveni’s anti-voter bribery message is thus not just political—it is deeply connected to his vision of economic independence. He stated clearly that leaders must educate citizens on Uganda’s progress from 1986 to the present and explain where the nation is heading.
Mobilizing for 2026 and Beyond
The rally also marked a moment of political consolidation. Museveni received 184 defectors from other political parties into the NRM, and NRM Vice Chairperson for Buganda Godfrey Kiwanda Suubi encouraged voters to back Museveni as the 2026 presidential flag bearer.
Museveni highlighted job creation through wealth generation, giving an example of a farm in Kagadi that employs over 26 workers, the lowest earning Shs 200,000 monthly. He also confirmed a government plan to construct a hospital in Mpigi and reiterated his health message on immunization and disease prevention.
Through these integrated themes of economic empowerment, health, education, and principled voting, Museveni positioned the rejection of voter bribery as critical to Uganda’s next chapter.
For related developments in Ugandan politics, read about how Sarah Sambya assumed Kamuli leadership following Kuwembula’s passing and how the FDC has launched nominations for MPs and chairpersons ahead of 2026. You can also learn more about Uganda’s broader efforts to fight corruption from KIS Uganda’s anti-bribery policy and this Nile Post coverage of Museveni’s remarks.
