President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s campaign stop in Kagadi District received a major boost after a top opposition figure from the National Unity Platform (NUP) crossed to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Mr. Brian Asingwire, the NUP Chairperson for Kagadi and former party flag bearer for Buyaga East Constituency, officially stepped down from the race and pledged allegiance to NRM during a rally held in Muhorro Town Council.
Announcing the defection, Speaker of Parliament and Second NRM National Vice Chairperson, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, said Asingwire had served NUP for six years but decided to join NRM after witnessing government development projects in Kagadi and the wider Bunyoro sub-region.
Among noted that Asingwire’s move reflects growing public confidence in NRM leadership and its development agenda, especially in areas of infrastructure, health, education and wealth creation.
Addressing the gathering, President Museveni said NRM is built on unity, peace and development, not politics of division based on tribe, religion or gender. He reminded residents that before colonialism, communities prospered through skills and productivity — values NRM has revived through peace, strong institutions and economic empowerment.
The President highlighted government achievements including better roads, schools, hospitals and wealth creation programs through commercial agriculture. He stressed the need for citizens to work for both “the stomach and the wallet,” pointing to successful farming models and industrial growth such as Mbale Industrial Park, which employs over 44,000 Ugandans.
Museveni also pledged more government support to Kagadi, including the construction of a skilling hub to equip youth with practical skills and the rehabilitation of the Ndaiga–Kagadi road. He raised concern over delays in the disbursement of coffee funds and promised to follow up the matter for a quick solution.
Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja told the rally that Kagadi leaders are now fully united behind President Museveni and pledged massive support for him in the coming elections. She also delivered greetings from Kenyan President William Ruto, who wished Museveni a landslide victory.
Nabbanja urged NRM supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation through door-to-door campaigns ahead of the 2026 elections.
Among further praised the President for protecting freedom of worship, opening up oil roads, supporting tea farmers with UGX 360 billion, constructing Hoima City Stadium and establishing a public university in Bunyoro — developments she said have transformed the region and attracted leaders from across political parties.
She also announced that David Muhumuza, an independent contestant for Mwenge North Constituency, had stepped down in favour of the NRM flag bearer.
The Kagadi rally highlighted NRM’s growing strength in the district, marked by opposition defections, unity among leaders and rising momentum for President Museveni’s campaign in Bunyoro.