The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has launched a fresh campaign slogan ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections, reinforcing its message that President Yoweri Museveni remains the country’s best leader. The new slogan, “Settle for the Best, Museveni is the Best,” was unveiled by the Office of the National Chairman (ONC) in a bid to rally support for the long-serving president as he prepares to seek another term in office.

The announcement was made by Hadijah Namyalo, the head of ONC and a key mobiliser for President Museveni’s supporters, during an event held at the ONC headquarters in Kyambogo. The new slogan follows the success of the earlier “Tova Ku Main” campaign, which played a significant role in convincing Museveni to run for a seventh term. Namyalo explained that the latest slogan is designed to remind Ugandans of the president’s unmatched leadership and his role in the country’s development.

Speaking to supporters and party members, Namyalo praised Museveni’s leadership, describing him as a visionary who has transformed Uganda into a modern economy. She credited the president with maintaining peace, stability, and economic progress not just in Uganda but across the East African region. “We pleaded with our dear President not to abandon his divine mission of transforming Uganda,” she said, emphasising that his continued leadership is crucial for the nation’s future.

Namyalo, who also serves as Senior Presidential Advisor, took the opportunity to criticise the opposition, particularly targeting National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine. She accused Kyagulanyi of spreading falsehoods about Uganda’s progress and sabotaging government programs aimed at improving livelihoods. According to Namyalo, initiatives like the Parish Development Model (PDM) have significantly reduced poverty, but the opposition has deliberately misrepresented these efforts for political gain.

“The opposition continues to malign successful government initiatives for their own benefit,” she said. “Meanwhile, we are empowering Ugandans, especially the youth, to build businesses and support their families.” Namyalo argued that while the opposition focuses on criticism, the NRM government is actively creating opportunities for ordinary citizens. She urged Ugandans to ignore opposition propaganda and instead rally behind President Museveni, whom she described as the only leader capable of sustaining the country’s growth.

The new slogan, “Settle for the Best, Museveni is the Best,” is expected to dominate NRM’s campaign messaging in the coming months as the party prepares for the 2026 elections. The phrase is crafted to portray Museveni as an irreplaceable leader whose experience and track record make him the ideal choice for Uganda’s presidency. Supporters at the event echoed Namyalo’s sentiments, chanting the slogan and expressing confidence in Museveni’s ability to lead the country forward.

Political analysts suggest that the NRM’s strategy is to frame the upcoming election as a choice between stability and uncertainty, with Museveni positioned as the guarantor of continued development. By emphasising his long tenure and achievements, the party aims to counter opposition arguments about the need for change. Critics, however, argue that after nearly four decades in power, Museveni’s government faces growing public fatigue, especially among younger voters who demand new leadership.

Despite these challenges, the NRM remains confident in its ability to secure another victory. The party’s extensive grassroots network, coupled with state resources, gives it a significant advantage over rival political groups. The introduction of the new slogan is seen as part of a broader effort to consolidate support and counter opposition narratives ahead of the polls.

As the 2026 elections draw closer, the political atmosphere in Uganda is expected to intensify, with both the ruling party and the opposition stepping up their campaigns. The NRM’s latest slogan, “Settle for the Best, Museveni is the Best,” will likely feature prominently in rallies, advertisements, and public engagements as the party seeks to reinforce its message. Whether this strategy will resonate with voters remains to be seen, but for now, the NRM is making it clear that it believes Museveni’s leadership is still Uganda’s best option.

The unveiling of the slogan has already sparked reactions across the political divide, with opposition figures dismissing it as a tired attempt to justify prolonged rule. Nevertheless, the NRM appears determined to push forward with its campaign, banking on Museveni’s legacy and the party’s organisational strength to deliver another electoral win. As the debate over Uganda’s future heats up, one thing is certain: the battle for votes in 2026 will be fiercely contested, with the NRM betting on its new slogan to carry the day.