By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Kataaha Museveni has cautioned Ugandan youth against being manipulated by what she described as selfish leaders to engage in election-related violence as the country edges closer to the 2026 general elections.
“As the nation approaches election day, the youth should be cautioned against manipulation into chaotic riots by selfish individuals who come with empty promises,” Janet Museveni said.
She made the remarks on Thursday while presiding over the launch of the All Women for Museveni campaign at Kololo Independence Grounds.
The First Lady underscored the role of women as critical stakeholders in Uganda’s future, urging them to champion peace, reject violence and act as the “cement” that strengthens the nation.
She further called on women across the country to commit to daily prayers for peace and electoral victory, proposing a nationwide 5:00am prayer routine until polling day.
“Let us agree that every day until voting day, we wake up at 5am and pray for peace. Saying no to violence is how we preserve peace,” she said.
Janet Museveni also encouraged women to use their platforms to mobilise voters and reminded Ugandans that every vote counts.
“Use your platforms to engage Ugandans of voting age to exercise their constitutional right to vote for leaders with values,” she said.
More than 5,000 women from across the country gathered at Kololo to launch the campaign in support of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, under the slogan All Women for Museveni.
Speaking to journalists at the campaign launch, Adrine Kobusingye, the National President of NRM Women’s League said the mobilisation was meant to demonstrate the tangible empowerment of women under the NRM government.
“We are here to make a statement under our unifying slogan of All Women for Museveni. When NRM says it has empowered women, it is not just on paper; it is real,” she said, citing the growing number of women in business, politics and public office.
Vice President Maj Gen (rtd) Jessica Alupo commended President Museveni for advancing the welfare of women and girls, noting increased female representation in the public service, the private sector and elective politics as well as access to quality healthcare services and rise in enrollment of females in education institutions among other achievements.
She said the gains reflect Uganda’s commitment to affirmative action and appealed to women to support President Museveni and other NRM candidates in the forthcoming elections.
According to the Electoral Commission, Uganda has over 21 million registered voters. Presidential and parliamentary polling is scheduled for January 15.
At least eight candidates are contesting for the presidency, including incumbent Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (NRM), Nandala Mafabi (FDC), Kyagulanyi Robert Ssentamu (NUP), Maj Gen (rtd) Mugisha Muntu (ANT), Frank Bulira (RPP), Mubarak Munyagwa Serunga (CMP), Eng Joseph Elton Mabirizi (CP) and Robert Kasibante (NPP).
