President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged a renewed and intensified crackdown on crime and corruption as central pillars of his agenda for the 2026–2031 term.
Speaking during his official nomination as the NRM flag bearer at Kololo Independence Grounds, Museveni admitted that while Uganda has made remarkable strides in peace and development, rising crime and corruption remain major threats to the country’s progress.
“There’s a bit of crime and impunity that we must now deal with decisively,” the President stated. “We cannot allow a few criminals and corrupt individuals to undo the hard-earned gains we have made over the years.”
Museveni, who is seeking a seventh term in office, said the NRM government will strengthen security systems, deploy more modern forensic tools, and increase community policing efforts to tackle both violent and white-collar crime. He noted that lawlessness, especially in urban centers, undermines investor confidence, disrupts livelihoods, and breeds public mistrust.
Corruption also featured prominently in the President’s address. Museveni vowed to escalate the war on graft, particularly targeting government officials who abuse public resources.
“Corruption is theft. It is worse than an armed robber because it steals from the poor, from schools, from hospitals, from the future. In this term, we are going to take it head-on,” he said.
He announced plans to empower anti-corruption agencies, strengthen audit systems, and enforce stricter penalties for those found guilty regardless of rank or political affiliation.
The President emphasized that the fight against crime and corruption must go beyond government agencies. He called on citizens, religious leaders, civil servants, and youth to play an active role in exposing wrongdoers and building a culture of integrity.
“This is a collective responsibility. We need a morally upright society that stands up to wrongdoing. Let us reject both criminals and corrupt officials, no matter how close they are to us.”
Museveni’s tough stance on crime and corruption comes at a time when Ugandans have raised growing concerns about rising theft, land fraud, misuse of government funds, and violent crime in some parts of the country.
As he accepted the party flag to lead the NRM into the 2026 general elections, Museveni reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding Uganda’s peace and economic stability.
“We have come from farfrom chaos to stability, from poverty to growth. The next step is to clean up the system and ensure that every Ugandan benefits from the wealth we are creating.”
The President’s renewed anti-crime and anti-corruption agenda is expected to be a central message in his 2026 campaign, resonating with citizens who seek accountability, justice, and safety.
