Leaders of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Kikuube district have declared an ambitious target ahead of the 2026 general elections: securing 97% of the vote for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the party’s flagbearers.
The target was unveiled during a weekend gathering of party leaders, including State Minister for Public Service, Grace Mary Mugasa, District NRM Chairman, Francis Kazini, and District Chairperson, Peter Banura, who rallied cadres to intensify grassroots mobilization.
From 77.5% to 97%
In the 2021 elections, the NRM garnered 77.5% of the vote in Kikuube. Party leaders now believe the political environment, coupled with ongoing government programs, can push support higher.
“This district has benefited from government investments in infrastructure, social services, and oil and gas development. Our people are aware, and we must translate that awareness into overwhelming electoral support,” Mugasa emphasized.
Campaign Strategy
The leaders outlined several approaches to achieve the goal, including house-to-house canvassing to engage directly with voters, encouraging civil servants and local leaders to highlight government projects, and leveraging the oil and gas developments in the Albertine region as proof of NRM’s delivery.
However, they also warned against vote buying, urging citizens to evaluate candidates based on performance rather than short-term incentives.
The Independent Factor
Despite NRM’s dominance in the primaries, several losing candidates have returned to the race as independents. Leaders fear this could confuse voters and dilute party support, but remain optimistic that unity and discipline will keep the vote intact.
Analysts Weigh In
Political analysts say that while the 97% target is bold, it raises important questions about electoral mobilization, loyalty, and the role of service delivery in shaping voter choices.
“Moving from 77% to 97% in one election cycle is a tall order. It will depend less on declarations and more on how convincingly the party can demonstrate impact on the ground,” noted one observer.
As Uganda moves closer to the 2026 elections, Kikuube will be one of the districts to watch closely both for its symbolic targets and for how its oil and gas-fueled transformation influences voting patterns.
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