MUSEVENI PRAISES CHIEF JUSTICE OWINY-DOLLO’S DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AT GRAND HOMECOMING IN GULU

A cross-section of national leaders, cultural and religious figures, family members, friends, and wananchi gathered at Kaunda Grounds in Gulu City today for a homecoming ceremony held in honour of His Lordship Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo, the retired Chief Justice of the Republic of Uganda. The event celebrated his distinguished service to the nation and his significant contributions to the administration of justice. The ceremony brought together leaders from across the country as well as members of the public who paid tribute to the former Chief Justice for his commitment to the rule of law, integrity in public service, and efforts toward national unity and reconciliation. In his address, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, congratulated Chief Justice Emeritus Owiny-Dollo on the recognition accorded to him by his community, describing the honour as a fitting celebration of integrity, dedication, and patriotism. President Museveni commended the people of Acholi for recognizing leaders who have contributed to building strong national institutions and promoting peace and unity across Uganda. The President particularly thanked Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo for three key contributions. First, he praised his integrity in public service, noting that despite persistent concerns about corruption in some sectors, he had never heard Owiny-Dollo associated with corrupt practices. Second, he recognized his contribution to strengthening Uganda’s judiciary, especially his support for the expansion of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms—an approach the President has long advocated to ease court congestion and improve access to justice. Third, the President commended Owiny-Dollo’s role in promoting unity and reconciliation in Northern Uganda, particularly during the region’s recovery after years of conflict. President Museveni also used the occasion to highlight the importance of economic transformation through household participation in productive activities. He emphasized the government’s strategy of promoting small-scale enterprises that are suitable for households with limited land, including poultry for egg production, dairy farming, coffee growing, fruit cultivation, fish farming, and other high-value agricultural enterprises. The President explained that the strategy focuses on intensive agriculture rather than extensive farming, noting that crops such as cotton, maize, sugarcane, and rubber require large land holdings and are therefore less suitable for smallholder households. He further stressed the importance of producing for markets, cautioning against encouraging farmers to produce commodities without assured demand. The President noted that Uganda must take advantage of expanding markets within the East African region and across the African continent, while guiding farmers toward enterprises that guarantee sustainable income. President Museveni observed that Uganda’s economic transformation will largely be driven by millions of small-scale producers working collectively across the country. He cited examples from regions such as Masaka, where smallholder farmers have significantly increased production of commodities such as coffee and milk. According to the President, empowering small producers ensures that more households earn income and participate directly in national development. Before inviting the President to address the gathering, Chief Justice Emeritus Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo expressed his profound gratitude to H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for attending the ceremony and for his longstanding support to Northern Uganda. He thanked the President for the role he played in restoring peace and stability in the region after years of conflict, noting that this peace had enabled communities to rebuild their lives, pursue education, and strengthen institutions. Looking ahead, Owiny-Dollo announced that his next major focus would be championing community revival and wealth creation across the Acholi sub-region, noting that decades of conflict had left many households economically disadvantaged. He called on communities to move beyond the rhetoric of past conflicts and instead focus on rebuilding their livelihoods through productive economic activities. The retired Chief Justice emphasized the need for people-centered wealth creation initiatives, including the productive use of large expanses of idle land and the adoption of mechanized agriculture led by communities themselves. He noted that ongoing efforts supported by Operation Wealth Creation, under the leadership of Gen. (Rtd) Salim Saleh, had already begun supporting agricultural mechanization in the region. Owiny-Dollo also proposed the establishment of an irrigation scheme at Agoro to enhance agricultural productivity and urged government to review the impact of socio-economic empowerment funds that have been injected into Northern Uganda over the years to ensure they are achieving their intended outcomes. He further called on leaders across Acholi—including political, cultural, and community leaders—to take responsibility for driving socio-economic transformation in their respective areas. He suggested that local by-laws could help encourage households to actively participate in wealth creation initiatives. In remarks delivered on behalf of the Chief Justice Flavian Zeija, the Hon. Principal Judge Jane Frances Abodo thanked Owiny-Dollo for his distinguished service to the country and his steadfast commitment to strengthening Uganda’s justice system. He commended his dedication to upholding the rule of law, promoting integrity within the judiciary, and inspiring public confidence in the administration of justice. Speakers at the event also praised Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo for his integrity and leadership, noting that throughout his career he has remained committed to fairness, justice, and service to the nation. They particularly highlighted his role in promoting unity and reconciliation in Northern Uganda during the country’s recovery from years of conflict. The ceremony featured traditional Acholi cultural performances, prayers, and tributes from leaders and community members, reflecting the deep respect and appreciation the community holds for the former Chief Justice and his contributions to national development. President Museveni concluded by encouraging leaders and communities across the country to continue working together to strengthen institutions, promote unity, and accelerate Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.

2026-03-14

NSPC LAUNCHES MENTAL HEALTH SESSIONS FOR STAFF, URGES FAMILIES TO RETHINK YOUTH MENTAL WELLNESS

State House's National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC) has launched mental health awareness lessons for its staff in a move aimed at promoting wellbeing and addressing the growing mental health challenges among the Ugandan youth. Speaking during the first session today, the Commissioner- NSPC, Ms. Hellen Seku urged families across Uganda to stop attributing children’s struggles to witchcraft and instead recognize mental health as a serious issue that requires proper attention and support. Ms. Seku noted that many young people are silently battling mental health conditions and that society must confront the problem with openness and understanding. “Families should stop thinking that when their children face challenges, it is because they have been bewitched. Many of our youth are affected by mental health conditions and as a nation we must address this issue seriously,” she said. She also commended the staff of the NSPC for participating in the awareness session, emphasizing that such engagements are important in building supportive workplaces. “I thank my staff for participating in this activity today. Let this be a lesson to other organizations to encourage their staff to take part in mental health lessons and discussions. It is the only way we can understand the wellbeing of those we lead and what they are going through,” Ms. Seku added. Mental health experts say the initiative comes at a time when mental health disorders among youth are becoming increasingly common. According to Ms. Florence Namyaalo, a Psychiatric Clinical and Public Health Officer with the Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Uganda, the problem is both national and global. Ms. Namyaalo explained that worldwide, between 15 and 20 percent of young people experience mental health challenges. “In Uganda, the situation is particularly worrying,” she said. A recent report by the Ministry of Health-Uganda, indicates that about 191,000 youth in the Buganda sub-region are living with mental health conditions, with urban areas such as Kampala recording higher cases compared to other parts of the country. Health professionals attribute the rise in mental health problems to several factors, including unemployment, family conflicts and relationship challenges. Many young people, Ms. Namyaalo noted, resort to alcohol, marijuana, cigarettes and khat in an attempt to cope with stress. “Everyone is at risk, and it is okay not to be okay,” she said, urging young people to seek support and avoid harmful coping mechanisms. Experts recommend simple steps to protect mental wellbeing, including getting adequate sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise and seeking support from family, friends or community groups. Ms. Namyaalo encouraged young people experiencing distress to speak up and seek professional help when necessary, noting that early intervention can prevent more severe mental health outcomes. She also called on communities, institutions and organizations to play a greater role in identifying individuals who may be struggling and encouraging them to prioritize their wellbeing. “When the people around us are healthy and supported, we all live better lives,” she said.

2026-03-14

YOGA YOGA JAJJA: UGANDANS GATHER AT KOLOLO TO CELEBRATE PRESIDENT MUSEVENI'S ELECTION VICTORY

Thousands of Ugandans today gathered at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds for the “Yoga Yoga Jajja” event to celebrate President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s recent election victory. President Museveni was re-elected in January during the 2026 general election. He secured 7,946,772 votes, representing 71.65% of the valid ballots cast, according to the Independent Electoral Commission. The full-day event, organised by Ms. Aminah Mukalazi, the Head of the State House Local Content Unit, attracted large crowds who turned up to express gratitude and support for the President, in what organizers described as both a thanksgiving and a celebration of national unity. During the event, the President who was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, thanked supporters and renewed his call for wealth creation, accountability, and national unity. President Museveni also expressed gratitude to the organizers, particularly Ms. Mukalazi, who spearheaded the celebrations. “I greet you all. I want to thank our daughter Aminah Mukalazi for organizing these celebrations, and I thank all the groups that participated in the campaign. I also thank all Ugandans who are not here but supported the NRM,” the President said. He also thanked God for what he described as decades of victories throughout Uganda’s struggles. “I want to thank God for the victory and the many victories He has been giving us. For the last 55 years, since 1971, we have been in struggles, and God has always given us victories,” he noted. The President said that while the event celebrated political victory, it should also remind Ugandans of the importance of economic empowerment and hard work. “You have heard of our sister Aminah Mukalazi. She is celebrating the political victory, but she is also reminding everybody to work and create wealth in their homes,” he said. President Museveni emphasized that Uganda’s transformation depends on wealth and job creation, particularly in key sectors of the economy. “The issue of wealth and job creation is very important. It should be done in sectors such as commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services and ICT. Every adult in Uganda should ensure that he or she is engaged in productive work,” he said. The President noted that poverty in some households is one of the reasons some young people end up on the streets. “You heard the young man who said he once stayed on the streets. That problem comes from homes that lack the capacity to support their children. That is why since 1995 we have been encouraging wealth creation under the message of ‘Bonna Bagagawale,’ so that every household can prosper,” he explained. He pointed to government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model as key tools for moving more Ugandans from subsistence living into the money economy. “About 70% of Ugandans are now in the money economy, but there are still about 30 percent remaining. That is why programs like the Parish Development Model are important,” the President said. He urged citizens to closely monitor government programs in their communities to ensure that funds benefit the intended beneficiaries. “All of you belong to a parish and in towns it is called a ward. Elect committees and follow up on the Parish Development Model money so that you know who has received it and how it is being used,” he advised. On national budgeting, President Museveni called on Ugandans to encourage their Members of Parliament to support government priorities that focus on improving livelihoods. “Tell your Members of Parliament to support my budgeting where we prioritize the livelihoods of our people. If you want money, we must start with wealth creation programs like PDM before other expenditures,” he said. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to free education in public schools. “We want our children to study free of charge in government schools, but we must first fight poverty so that families can support their children,” he added. The President also raised concern about drug theft in some health facilities and urged communities to demand accountability. “Immunization has gone very well, but the problem in some health centers is treatment. These health centers are here in Uganda not in Congo or South Sudan. If there is theft of drugs, the people must demand answers,” he said. President Museveni warned against corruption, particularly individuals who allegedly sell government jobs. “Do not tolerate corruption. We hear about people selling government jobs. Why don’t you report them so they are arrested? Many government workers are honest, but the few corrupt ones must be exposed,” he said. The President further noted that improving roads remains a priority for the government. “The next struggle is to ensure that our roads are in good condition. There are issues which I know about, and we shall solve them,” he said. He also highlighted the importance of promoting local content in national projects to create opportunities for Ugandan businesses. “Local content means that if something can be done by Ugandans, they must be given priority. For example, the Standard Gauge Railway will need materials such as cement sleepers, and these can be produced locally,” he said. President Museveni assured investors that Uganda remains open for business but warned that corruption will not be tolerated. “Investors come with their own money, but what they do not want is corruption. When I get information about corruption, we deal with those responsible,” he said. On her part, the Vice President, H.E Jessica Alupo congratulated the President on his victory and thanked Ugandans for supporting peace and development. “Your Excellency, thank you for steering the campaign teams with excellence, which enabled us to secure a victory that was not contested. I thank the people of Uganda for supporting peace, security and development,” she said. H.E Alupo also commended the First Lady, Maama Janet, for her efforts in the education sector. “Maama Janet, thank you for the hard work in the Ministry of Education and Sports and for the Senior Six results that have just been released,” she added. Addressing the gathering, Ms. Mukalazi said the turnout itself was a strong indication of the public’s affection and confidence in President Museveni’s leadership. “Mzee and Maama, the people are very happy that you are here today. This gathering is a clear symbol that Ugandans love you and appreciate your leadership,” she said. Pastor Robert Kayanja, who led prayers of thanksgiving, thanked God for President Museveni’s life, leadership, and the country’s continued stability. “Today we have come back to thank the Heavenly Father. We do not take it for granted that God has given Mzee and Maama life and granted them victory,” Pastor Kayanja said. He also prayed for continued unity and cooperation in the region, asking God to guide efforts toward the East African Federation and stronger economic integration. “We pray that the Lord will grant the leaders wisdom as they work towards East African cooperation, a common market and eventual federation,” he added. Pastor Kayanja further prayed for the next five years of leadership, asking that government policies continue to uplift Ugandans and ensure food security across the country. “For the five years to come, we pray that whatever the government does will be intentional and aimed at ensuring that Uganda feeds its people and that love for our country grows stronger,” he said. The “Yoga Yoga Jajja” victory celebration combined prayers, entertainment, and public testimonies. The event was also attended by the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Ministers, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, among others.

2026-03-13

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI MEETS MASAKA NRM LEADERS, CALLS FOR FOCUS ON REAL ISSUES AFFECTING CITIZENS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today met National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders in Greater Masaka at State Lodge, Masaka. He urged them to focus on addressing the real challenges affecting the wananchi (citizens), exposing corruption at local levels, and promoting government programmes aimed at improving livelihoods. The meeting was organised by Masaka City Woman Member of Parliament-elect, Hon. Justine Nameere. President Museveni criticised some leaders for spending too much time in political arguments instead of addressing the needs of ordinary citizens. “It is unfortunate how some leaders waste time in Parliament talking instead of looking at the real issues and reaching the ordinary people. Leaders must expose wrongdoing and demand solutions to the problems affecting the wananchi,” the President said. He warned that silence in the face of corruption undermines public trust and weakens service delivery. “Keeping quiet about thieves and corruption in your areas is unacceptable. If leaders at the district level are corrupt and Members of Parliament fear to expose them, then the whole system rots,” he added. The President also challenged NRM leaders to confidently speak about the achievements of the government instead of fearing criticism. “Some NRM leaders fear to talk about the achievements of the government because they worry about criticism from the population. This is wrong. Instead of keeping quiet, you should promote government programmes and explain what has been achieved,” he said. On national unity, President Museveni cautioned against sectarianism, describing it as a dangerous force that divides communities along tribal and religious lines. “The other poison is sectarianism, dividing people based on religion and tribe. This is dangerous and we must not allow it,” he emphasised. The President commended Hon. Nameere for her courage and initiative in organising the meeting, recounting how he first encountered her when she was young and later brought her to work as an advisor. He also recalled the circumstances surrounding her election victory. “When she contested for the Masaka city Woman MP seat, there were attempts to rig the votes but she insisted on a recount, and when the votes were counted again, she won. That shows courage,” he said. To illustrate the importance of unity across communities, President Museveni shared a personal story about how his education was supported through cattle sales to traders from different backgrounds. “I went to school in the 1950s and 1960s because my father was able to pay the school fees by selling cattle in the monthly auction markets of Ntungamo. The buyers were businessmen from different backgrounds, including Walusimbi-Mpanga from Kampala, Bukyenya from Mbarara and Shear, a Muzungu operating from Ishaka who supplied cattle to feed miners at Kilembe,” he said. “Who, then, supported my education apart from my father? Certainly not only the Banyankore or my church denomination,” he added, stressing that development has always depended on cooperation among diverse communities. President Museveni further urged leaders to mobilise the wananchi to embrace government wealth creation programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Operation Wealth Creation (OWC). “NRM has always focused on the real issues affecting the people. In the past we faced challenges like insecurity, lack of schools and health centres. Today the main issue we are fighting is poverty,” he said. He explained that the Parish Development Model was introduced to ensure that government support directly reaches households through parish-level structures. “We decided that those above 18 years should engage with the PDM funds at the parish level because districts and sub-counties were too far from the ordinary person,” he noted. The President urged leaders to actively promote these programmes in their communities. “Use and embrace government programmes to solve the issues in society,” he said. On her part, Hon. Nameere thanked President Museveni for meeting the leaders and for his continued guidance to the people of Masaka. “I want to thank the President for sparing time to meet us and for the wise counsel he has given to us as leaders. His guidance will help us refocus on serving our people and promoting the government programmes meant to improve the livelihoods of the wananchi,” she said. She also pledged to continue mobilising leaders and communities in Masaka to support government initiatives aimed at fighting poverty and fostering development.

2026-03-11

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI UNDERSCORES ROLE OF EDUCATION AND SKILLING THE GIRL CHILD IN EMPOWERING WOMEN

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has underscored the role of education and skilling the girl child in empowering women and the entire society. According to the President, when the National Resistance Movement (NRM) came to power, it fought the suppression of women and other groups that faced marginalisation on account of cultural and historical factors. “We did this by guaranteeing education access for all at primary and secondary schools levels i.e. UPE and USE. This was a fundamental empowerment of the girl child because when someone is educated, he/she cannot be suppressed. That was the real beginning of our reforms,” he said. President Museveni who was represented by the Vice President, H.E Jessica Alupo made the remarks today while officiating at the International Women’s Day celebrations at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. The celebrations ran under the theme: “Scaling up investments to accelerate access to justice for all women and girls in Uganda”. The President explained that in 1986, the NRM government observed that although women formed more than 50 percent of the total population of 14 million Ugandans at that time, their full potential was not realised on account of their education, lack of opportunities, chronic health and early death. “Women were trapped in a very disadvantaged position despite the fact that they were at the centre of the subsistence economy and also provided at least half the labour for producing the few cash crops,” he said. He noted that when the government introduced free education for all, those who benefited in a special way were the girls because they were the ones who were kept at home in the past as the resources were concentrated on boys. “It is the mother's level of education and access to information which will decide whether or not she will go for a tetanus vaccination during pregnancy, whether a trained person will be present at birth, whether she knows the advantages of breastfeeding, whether foods will be cooked in the most appropriate way, whether water will be boiled and hands washed, whether a child will be weighed or vaccinated, among others,” President Museveni asserted. “Therefore, education and skilling of the girl child is an effective method of empowering not only women but the entire society.” To empower women more, President Museveni added that the government introduced positive discrimination in favor of women to bring them to the front. “For instance, for the university entry, we have the 1.5 points given to girls, they are free to stand for any elective office, but they also have additional seats which they compete for. That way, we have been able to increase their numbers in public offices, and they have proved to be better leaders and managers than men,” he said. “During our resistance against dictatorships, we treated everyone equally and I found women to be more resolute than many men. Thirdly, in order to provide justice to women, we introduced big punishments for rape and defilement. This was to protect the women and girls who were victims of these crimes.” On the other hand, President Museveni said the government has been able to fight inhuman cultural practices that undermine the dignity of women such as female genital mutilation, early marriages, wife inheritance, wife beating, among others. Furthermore, the government also introduced poverty alleviation programs which are aimed at creating wealth and jobs at the household level. This, the President said, was part of the measures to empower women. “When the households get out of poverty through commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services and ICT, it's easier to address the remaining challenges faced by women. When families become wealthy, they are able to educate all their children. Therefore, families getting out of poverty is a good base for solving many problems,” he stated. President Museveni assured that the NRM government has put in place the necessary resources and infrastructure like enough electricity, good roads, among others, to guarantee the profitability of the business enterprises. “However, infrastructure development alone is not enough though it must come first. Development is a collective good for everyone, but wealth and jobs belong to individuals, families, groups and companies. We should not have spectators in the drive towards household incomes.” On her part, H.E Alupo congratulated Ugandans for the overwhelming victory they extended to President Museveni and the NRM government during the recently concluded general elections. “We thank you very much as elected leaders for exercising your mandate and electing leaders at all levels to serve you. We're sincerely thankful to all of you,” she said. “H.E the President is in Arusha, Tanzania where he was elected the chair of the East African Community (EAC). Join me in congratulating H.E the President upon assuming the Chairmanship of the EAC,” H.E Alupo said. The Vice President also launched the 2nd national action plan against gender-based violence 2026-2031, Uganda gender and quality climate strategy 2026-31 and national strategy to ending genital mutilation 2026-31. The Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Hon. Betty Amongi said the International Women’s Day is celebrated in remembrance of the struggle that women and men throughout the world went through to achieve women empowerment. “It is the day that we celebrate the gains that we have made and reflect on the agenda that still needs to be done. We celebrate the struggle, the courage of all the women who are determined, the ordinary rural women who have worked tirelessly to feed and educate their children in order to anchor Uganda as a society because without a family, Uganda doesn't have a foundation and without the women, there's no family,” she said. Hon. Amongi noted that on this day, stakeholders also call for action for what needs to be done to achieve gender equality. “We are dedicated to promoting programs that eliminate poverty, empower women economically and ensure women's standards of living are improved because we believe economically independent women can protect themselves and their children from injustices,” she said. The Minister of State for Gender and Culture, Hon. Peace Mutuuzo, said Uganda was privileged to be among the first countries in Africa to provide opportunities for women to take a centre stage in the leadership of the country and to determine policies that favour women in the economic development of the country. “Ladies and gentlemen, our demand for equal rights and access to justice is not just a modern fashion, it is a pathway through which Uganda will be able to develop faster,” she said. “We have been able to see how women have progressed from the time the NRM government allowed them to participate in all areas of socio-economic development.” She however noted that in the quest and struggle for emancipation and gender equality, a few challenges still stand. “Gender-based violence has remained high. 52 percent of all the women have ever faced physical violence, the few who have not faced such have at least faced economic violence. Today, we would wish to mobilise not only women but also men to acknowledge the space for women, support them in developing this country and maintaining peace together,” she said. The United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Uganda, Mr. Leonard Zulu, said Uganda has made commendable strides in protecting women’s participation in governance through affirmative action policies, among others. “This year’s global theme is a clear call to move from commitments to concrete results; to ensure that justice is real, accessible in the daily lives of women and girls,” he said. “Access to Justice is not only a legal matter but also a development imperative: a human rights obligation and a cornerstone of peace and stability.” Hajjat Faridah Kibowa, the Chairperson of the National Women’s Council- Uganda, appreciated the women around the country who supported and voted for President Museveni in the recent general elections. “It demonstrates clearly that women are not spectators in nation building but active partners in shaping the destiny of our nation,” she said. Hajjat Kibowa also noted that the National Women’s Council was established by an Act of Parliament in 1993 and continues to serve as the voice of women from the village to the national level. “We commend the government's commitment to gender inclusion within the justice sector. Today women constitute over 50.6% of the judiciary in Uganda.” At the same event, a total of 34 distinguished Ugandans were awarded with national medals for their distinctive role in the development of Uganda. The event was also attended by the Chief Justice, His Lordship, Flavian Zeija, the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Lukia Nakadama, Ministers, Members of Parliament, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, religious and cultural leaders, among other dignitaries.

2026-03-08

STATEMENT BY H.E PRESIDENT YOWERI MUSEVENI DURING THE 25TH EAC SUMMIT IN ARUSHA TANZANIA

DOWNLOAD THE STATEMENT FROM THE LINK BELOW

2026-03-07