Politics 18 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Museveni's Strategic Choice of Lira City for 2026 Victory Celebrations
President Museveni selected Lira City in the Lango Sub-region for his victory fete after securing 85% of votes there, the highest in the area, signaling a major shift from its opposition stronghold status. The event highlighted strong local support and calls for development like an international airport as part of national strategy. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/why-museveni-chose-lira-city-for-his-victory-fete-5428128
Lango College playground in Lira City buzzed with energy on April 18, 2026, as crowds enjoyed music, dance, and drama during President Yoweri Museveni’s victory celebrations. This marked a historic moment for Lango, which delivered 84.49% of votes to Museveni in the January 2026 elections, topping out at 85% in Lira City.
The Electoral Commission declared Museveni, now 81, the winner with 7,946,772 votes (71.65%), securing his seventh term and extending his rule since 1986. Voter turnout hit a record low of 52.5% among 21.6 million registered voters, amid opposition claims of over 20 deaths by security forces.
Political analyst Joel Okao Tema noted Lango’s shift to the National Resistance Movement (NRM), rejecting UPC leader Jimmy Akena’s divisive tactics. This ‘rebellion’ against toxic politics fostered a development partnership with the government.
Morris Chris Ongom, Lango Chapter director at the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, framed the vote as pragmatic support for peace and economic growth. He highlighted Museveni’s vote recovery to 71.65% from 58.64% in 2021, crediting infrastructure and services.
Ongom urged investment in Lira as northern Uganda’s hub, including an international airport to boost trade and tourism. ‘This is not regional preference; it is strategic national development,’ he stated.
The choice of Lira underscores NRM’s expanding influence in formerly opposition areas.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)