As Uganda gears up for its 2026 presidential elections, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reignited his campaign trail with a deeply personal and spiritual message. Speaking in Karamoja, northern Uganda, Museveni declared that his fight against poverty is not driven by personal need but by a divine calling.
“I do all this to beg you, please get out of poverty. I’m not poor myself, but I want to go to heaven. I cannot lead people who remain poor and keep silent. What if God asks me, ‘Why did you stay silent while your people suffered?’” President Museveni, Karenga, Karamoja
This statement, delivered during his campaign launch in Karamoja, reflects Museveni’s long-standing narrative: that leadership is a moral responsibility, and poverty eradication is central to his legacy.
Museveni’s framing of poverty as a spiritual burden adds a new layer to his campaign rhetoric. It positions him not just as a political leader, but as a moral guardian of Uganda’s future. This approach may resonate deeply in regions like Karamoja, where economic hardship is widespread and faith plays a central role in daily life.
Spiritual appeal: By invoking divine accountability, Museveni taps into Uganda’s religious consciousness.
Legacy framing: He presents poverty reduction as a mission that transcends politics.
Economic messaging: His emphasis on job creation and entrepreneurship remains a cornerstone of his campaign.
Uganda’s presidential elections are scheduled for January 15, 2026. Museveni will face challengers including Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), who gained significant traction in the previous election. As the campaign intensifies, Museveni’s blend of spiritual urgency and economic promises may shape the national conversation.
