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10 July 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI VOWS TO RESOLVE KASOKOSO LAND DISPUTE, PLEDGES MORE SUPPORT TO GHETTO SACCOS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has promised to resolve a long-standing land ownership dispute affecting thousands of residents in Kasokoso-Kiganda, Kira Municipality, Wakiso District. The President made the pledge today during his fourth day of the Parish Development Model (PDM) assessment tour across Wakiso, where he addressed a large gathering from the ghetto community of Kasokoso-Kiganda. Addressing residents, President Museveni acknowledged hearing about the contested land for the first time and assured the community that the matter would be fully investigated and resolved within six weeks. “I’m going to study the issue of the land. I was aware of the land of Bukasa, but this is new to me. I’m going to study it. The one involving National Housing, Uganda Police, and the individuals. Within one and a half months, I would have resolved the issue of the land,” President Museveni stated. The matter was brought to the President’s attention by the NRM Chairperson for Kira Municipality, Mr. Muyanja Umar, who revealed that over 20,000 residents were living under fear of eviction. He explained that the ownership of the 258 acres of land in Kasokoso is contested by several entities, including the Uganda Police, National Housing, and private individuals. He further disclosed that some residents had already been evicted by the police and were now taking shelter in churches and mosques. During the same engagement, the President listened to several complaints from residents about the mismanagement of PDM and Emyooga funds. Ms. Namutebi Doreen from Kireka reported that despite forming SACCOs in their parishes, funds were being misallocated to relatives and friends, denying genuine beneficiaries access. President Museveni called on the public to take active roles in the management and oversight of SACCOs, urging transparency and accountability in the disbursement of government funds. “The SACCO of the parish should be launched by all residents of that parish. Everyone should participate and be informed about how much money has been received and what each person is supposed to get,” President Museveni said. He added that fair selection of beneficiaries by parish committees would ensure equitable distribution. To address these concerns, the President said he would send Hon. Ssozi Galabuzi, the PDM National Coordinator, to assess the structures and implementation of programs in Kasokoso. The President also made a personal contribution of UGX 30 million to Kasokoso SACCO and pledged to capitalize each SACCO in Kira Municipality with UGX 100 million. Using a popular Baganda proverb, "Eyetuze tebamukaabira" (they don’t mourn the one who commits suicide), the President criticized residents for electing opposition MPs who, he claimed, had neglected their responsibilities. “You elected opposition Members of Parliament who, after getting their salaries, don’t mind about your issues. If they ask you to support them and say they will solve your land problems, they’re deceiving you,” he said. “Don’t waste time with those in the opposition.” Mr. Ivan Nyombi, coordinator of the Kira Ghetto Structure, expressed gratitude to President Museveni for integrating ghetto youth into government programs. “Many funds have been coming, but we didn’t have access to them. We have been praying to get someone who understands us the way we are, and it’s NRM that came to our rescue,” he said. Mr. Erias Ssentaayi shared that ghetto residents supporting the NRM were often discriminated against, especially during past elections. He claimed he was evicted from his home in 2021 due to his political allegiance. The event was attended by various NRM leaders from Kira Municipality and marked the continuation of the President’s five-day wealth creation and PDM assessment tour. The tour aims to evaluate government initiatives and mobilize citizens for active participation in household-level economic transformation.

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09 July 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI PLEDGES INCREASED FUNDING FOR PDM IN URBAN AREAS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has announced plans to increase funding for the Parish Development Model (PDM), with a focus on urban and town parishes where the population density and number of potential beneficiaries are significantly higher than in rural areas. Under the current framework, each parish receives UGX 100 million annually, intended to support 100 households with UGX 1 million each for income-generating activities. The President revealed that this allocation is just the starting point, with increased funding expected soon, especially for urban parishes, acknowledging that the current uniform funding allocation may not be equitable, especially in urban settings where needs are greater. “This UGX 100 million is just the beginning. We are going to put more money and increase the amount disbursed to these urban PDM parishes where there are many people. This money is yours. My advice is, don’t let anyone play around with it,” President Museveni stated. The President made the remarks on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, as he concluded the third day of his PDM assessment tour with a visit to Ms. Lillian Nagawa, a beneficiary of the program from Kaazi Village, Busabala Parish in Makindye Ssabagabo, Wakiso District. Ms. Nagawa, who received her UGX 1 million in April 2024, initially ventured into piggery but later transitioned into poultry farming after a pig flu outbreak and has since expanded into goat rearing and now owns over 200 chickens and six goats. On Eid Day, she reported earning UGX 1.6 million from selling broilers and used part of the profits to invest further in livestock. “I plan to have 20,000 chickens, more goats, and, if possible, cows because I know how to take care of them,” she said. Ms. Nagawa also urged fellow Ugandans to stop undermining government initiatives like the PDM, saying they are a lifeline for low-income earners. President Museveni praised Nagawa’s entrepreneurial spirit and utilization of the funds, saying her story is a testament to the impact of the PDM when implemented effectively. “I’m very happy to be here to join you and to see that you’re proceeding well with the Parish Development Model. I’m also impressed by the level of uptake and utilization of PDM Funds in Makindye Ssabagabo,” the President said. To further support her growing enterprise, President Museveni donated UGX 10 million to Ms. Nagawa and promised to send a team to construct a modern poultry house for her. Additionally, he extended UGX 10 million to ten other PDM beneficiaries in Busabala Parish (UGX 1 million each) and UGX 12 million to facilitate the purchase of a three-wheeled motorized vehicle (tuk-tuk) to support the local PDM SACCO. The President emphasized the government’s commitment to direct community empowerment through PDM and Emyooga initiatives and programs designed to move Ugandans out of the subsistence economy and reduce reliance on exploitative moneylenders. “If we handle this money very well (UGX 100 million per parish per year), you will find that in five years, you will have UGX 800 million, and in ten years, it will be UGX 1.6 billion in your parish bank,” President Museveni explained. He distinguished infrastructure development and individual wealth creation, urging Ugandans to focus on household-level economic transformation. “You can have a tarmac road for 60 years, but poor people can still live beside it,” he noted, recalling his personal experiences traveling Uganda in the 1960s. “That is why the NRM said, on top of development, let us add another word—wealth,” President Museveni added. The President reiterated that wealth can be achieved through commercial agriculture, service provision, or manufacturing and called on citizens to actively participate in wealth creation to eradicate poverty. Ms. Nagawa expressed her gratitude to President Museveni for reaching out to grassroots communities and delivering financial support directly to the people.

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09 July 2025

PRESIDENT CALLS FOR RENEWED COMMITMENT TO NRM’S SIX-POINT AGENDA

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today called for renewed commitment to the National Resistance Movement (NRM)’s six-point agenda, describing it as the cornerstone of Uganda’s transformation journey. The agenda focuses on peace, wealth creation, development, job creation, access to markets, and delivery of essential services. The President made the remarks while addressing a gathering which included beneficiaries of the Emyooga program in Entebbe Municipality. This was shortly after visiting Ms. Priscilla Mwirumubi, a women's hair salon owner and proud beneficiary of the Emyooga program. Earlier in the day, he had made a stopover in Nakasozi Village, Ziba Ward, Kasanje Town Council, on his way to visit Ms. Jacklet Atuhaire, a model farmer in Busiro South, as part of his ongoing wealth creation assessment tour. This marked the third day of the President’s field tour, which began on Monday, aimed at tracking progress of government-backed initiatives like Emyooga and the Parish Development Model (PDM), and their impact on transforming ordinary Ugandans into income earners. “Today, we are focusing on Emyooga but I want to re-emphasize the NRM guidance. Our foundation has always been built on six important things: peace, wealth, development, jobs, markets, and services,” President Museveni said. President Museveni also stressed that peace remains the most fundamental pillar. “Peace first, we cannot tolerate anyone that wants to disrupt our peace. There’s no war in Uganda and I assure you, no one can bring war here. The UPDF is strong. Anyone who dares will be defeated quickly.” The President further noted that physical infrastructure alone is not enough if individual households remain poor. “You can have tarmac roads and electricity, but if there’s no money in the home, what good is that? That’s why we say development without wealth is defective.” He recalled his early years in Rwakitura, his country home searching for pasture, not electricity or roads. “At the time When I went to Rwakitura, there was no tarmac road or electricity, what I was looking for was pasture for my cows because cows don’t eat tarmacked roads or electricity. You can see that there was no development but there was wealth and of course later on, electricity came and other things but they found when I was already wealthy so that is why you people who miss my wealth message are missing something,” he said. Citing traditional wisdom from his Banyankole heritage, President Museveni elaborated on the concept of Okwombeka which means to build. “Okwombeka is not just about building a house. It’s about building a life, creating wealth, marrying, raising children, and then putting up a house. But when I came here, I found that many people, especially leaders only talk about roads and electricity,” President Museveni said. “Each home must work for wealth,” he emphasized. President Museveni also applauded Emyooga and the Parish Development Model as critical tools to lift families out of poverty. “That’s why we introduced Entandikwa, Emyooga, Operation Wealth Creation, PDM, microfinance and others. All of them are designed to create wealth at the household level,” he said. The President encouraged citizens to participate in these programs and be guided by informed and accountable leaders. “I am in government, but I’m far from you. You need leaders who can speak for you in Parliament. Elect people who will demand what you need,” President Museveni urged. Real stories of transformation in Entebbe: At an earlier engagement in Kitoro, Entebbe Municipality, President Museveni visited a hair salon owned by Ms. Priscilla Mwirumubi, a beneficiary of Emyooga, through the Entebbe Diva Salon Operators Emyooga SACCO. “We never thought we would benefit this much from Emyooga. Our group received Shs30 million, and I personally got Shs1 million after saving just Shs350,000. That changed everything for me,” she said. President Museveni praised her initiative and impact. “This girl, Mwirumubi, created wealth out of nothing. Now she’s employing five people. When we talk about jobs, we cannot separate them from wealth creation,” he said. Another proud beneficiary, Ms. Harriet Nantarima, chairperson of the hardware operators SACCO in Entebbe, also testified. “I borrowed Shs3 million and invested it in my hardware business worth Shs20 million. We also produce books as a group, but we need support with machines,” she said. President Museveni noted that testimonies like Nantarima’s demonstrate the true impact of government support. “That’s why I have come here not just to speak, but to wake people up,” he added. President Museveni said the NRM had expanded job opportunities through factories, skilling hubs and commercial agriculture. “Factory jobs today employ 1 million people, the government employs 480,000, and the service sector employs 5 million. This is why I urge you to get involved,” President Museveni said. He emphasized that Uganda now produces many goods it once imported, a shift that has created jobs and market for local products. A call to elect leaders who care: President Museveni also urged citizens to be deliberate in choosing their representatives. “The good thing is that you are here and the NRM is here. Don’t be like orphans without guidance. Choose leaders who care,” he added. Additionally, President Museveni pledged to improve road infrastructure in the area, recalling his historical connection to the route. “I passed through this Mpigi–Kasanje–Nakawuka–Kisubi road in 1979 and again in 1986 during the liberation struggle. I know this road very well,” he said. He revealed that the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, had informed him that a Chinese contractor, CCCC, had been secured and that preparatory work had begun. “Katumba has informed me that the contractor has already started preliminary works, and in four months, they will begin tarmacking the road. It will be completed in 18 months,” he announced.

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09 July 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI PLEDGES SUPPORT TO WAKISO MODEL FARMER, HAILS COMMERCIAL FARMING VISION

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended Ms. Atuhaire Jacklet Rwabukurukuru, proprietor of Mabamba Farmhouse and Training Demo Centre, for embracing commercial farming as a pathway to wealth creation and rural transformation. During a visit to her 45-acre farm in Nakasozi Village, Kasanje Town Council, Wakiso District, today, the President described Ms. Atuhaire’s work as a shining example of what Ugandans can achieve by combining modern agricultural practices with enterprise. He praised her plans to start manufacturing poultry feeds as a step that would add even more value to her existing business. To support these efforts, President Museveni pledged to liaise with the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure she receives the technical help she needs. He also promised to address challenges related to electricity generation on the farm, which would help her boost production and improve processing capacity. The President further revealed that the Nalukolongo–Nateete–Kasanje road will soon be tarmacked, adding that the contractor is already on the ground. This development is expected to ease the transportation of farm produce to wider markets and attract more investment to the area. President Museveni further encouraged local residents to continue supporting the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to sustain and expand these development initiatives. Ms. Atuhaire’s journey began in 2016 when she started Mabamba Farmhouse with the four-acre model that included a banana plantation and piggery project. Over time, she diversified her enterprise, turning it into a thriving commercial farm that now includes poultry, dairy farming, banana growing, and aquaculture. Her poultry unit currently maintains around 2,000 broiler birds for sale each month, earning her approximately Ugx 13 million monthly. At the moment, the farm has 1,000 birds ready for market, another 1,000 in the brooder, and about 300 kuroilers. The banana plantation has expanded from an initial two acres to seven acres, providing a reliable source of weekly income, while dairy farming has grown from just a handful of cows to 17, with milk production from eight cows bringing in around Ugx 14 million annually. Perhaps most notably, Ms. Atuhaire’s aquaculture venture produces around 20 tonnes of tilapia per year, generating an estimated gross income of Ugx 44 million per harvest season and a take-home profit of about Ugx 66 million annually. Expressing her appreciation, Ms. Atuhaire thanked President Museveni for government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), which she described as real and effective in transforming rural livelihoods. Today, Mabamba Farmhouse is not just a business; it has grown into a training and demonstration centre, employing 25 people — 11 permanent staff and 14 casual workers — and attracting farmers from the surrounding areas eager to learn modern, sustainable farming practices. From modest beginnings, Ms. Atuhaire’s farm now stands as a testament to how determination, diversification, and targeted support can turn small family projects into engines of community transformation and prosperity.

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09 July 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI DONATES GYM EQUIPMENT TO KALERWE BOXING CLUB

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni through State House has donated state-of-the-art gym equipment to Kalerwe Boxing Club in Kawempe division, Kampala. The donation is part of the initiatives by President Museveni to Ugandans especially the youth, aimed at empowering them socially and economically. Handing over the equipment worth millions of shillings today in Kalerwe, the Senior Presidential Advisor In-charge of Political Mobilization, Mr. Moses Byaruhanga explained that after meeting and receiving a request from the boxing club, he informed President Museveni about it and he responded in the affirmative. “When we went to purchase the equipment, we ended up spending Shs 38 million. You should thank President Museveni for his support. Our work is just to connect you people to the President,” he noted. Mr. Byaruhanga urged the beneficiaries to utilise the gym equipment well so that they achieve the best out of it. “Don't use it to train criminals,” he warned. At the same event, President Museveni injected Shs10m into the boxing club SACCO where members will borrow money to boost their businesses. “We shall monitor how you use that money. If you utilise it well, we shall add in more funds,” Mr. Byaruhanga assured. “President Museveni has already injected Shs100 million in each ghetto SACCO in Kampala to support the ghetto youth economically.” He also promised that the State House will support other gyms around Kampala. On the other hand, Mr. Byaruhanga cautioned the youth against electing selfish leaders especially from the opposition side who don't care about their interests. “The opposition don't talk about your burning issues, all they say is President Museveni must go, but he is going nowhere,” he said. “You should elect leaders who have your interests at heart.” Additionally, Mr. Byaruhanga urged the youth to embrace government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga if they want to fight poverty and improve their livelihoods. “We are going to also roll out the Katale loan and boda boda loan programs. The low-interest Katale loan aims at empowering market vendors. When you borrow Shs100,000, you pay an interest of Shs1,000 in a month,” he said. “When you get a boda boda on loan from the private entities, you end up paying Shs12m for a boda boda of Shs6m but with our boda boda loan, you pay Shs7.2m for a motorcycle of Shs6m million after two years.” Hajjat Madina Nsereko, the Kawempe South MP aspirant thanked President Museveni for empowering the youth in Kawempe and Uganda at large. “When I met these young people, they made their request but it was too expensive for me to handle so I had to lobby through Mr. Byaruhanga's office,” she said. Hajjat Nsereko also commended Mr. Byaruhanga for socially and economically transforming the lives of the people of Kawempe through his support. “Recently, we were in Kalerwe Abattoir, and he delivered President Museveni’s support to the traders. On behalf of the women in Kawempe, we thank you for the financial booster. Mr. Byaruhanga has also supported us with different initiatives like extending clean and safe water to the people of Kawempe.” Mr. Ismail Sseguya, the CEO of Kalerwe Boxing Club thanked President Museveni for supporting them and promised that they will also support him in the forthcoming elections. “All that we requested has been delivered,” he said. He also hailed the President for the support towards their SACCO which has 120 members. Mr. Banasula Ronald, a coach at Kalerwe Boxing Club also expressed gratitude to President Museveni for extending support to their boxing club. He said as boxers and body builders, they made an appeal to the State House for the support and their request was granted. The event was also attended by members of other boxing clubs around Kampala.

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08 July 2025

“ELECT LEADERS WHO FOLLOW UP ON GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS,” PRESIDENT MUSEVENI TELLS WAKISO RESIDENTS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today urged the residents of Wakiso District to elect leaders from the National Resistance Movement (NRM). According to the President, such leaders align with and actively support government development agendas. “In the coming general election, please elect Members of Parliament who demand what belongs to you. I'm in government, but I'm far from you. You need an MP who follows up on the money we send to help you,” President Museveni emphasized. The President made the remarks while addressing a public rally in Nabweru, Nansana Municipality. The rally was part of the ongoing Presidential assessment tour on wealth creation and Parish Development Model (PDM) in Wakiso District. Accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, the President began his day with a groundbreaking ceremony for the Bukasa–Ssentema–Kakiri Road, a 12.7km project estimated at Shs 56 billion and being constructed by the Chinese firm CICO. The road is expected to be completed in 18 months, further expanding Wakiso’s connectivity. “When the NRM took over Kampala, these roads didn’t exist; the Northern Bypass, Entebbe Expressway, Kasangati road, and even the Matugga–Ssentema–Kapeeka Road were all built after,” President Museveni said, adding that the development benefits all Ugandans, but without household income, infrastructure alone won’t transform lives. He cautioned leaders against focusing solely on physical infrastructure while neglecting income generation at the household level. Citing statistics, President Museveni said Uganda’s industrial sector has created 1.2 million jobs, the public sector 480,000, agriculture 3.6 million, and the services sector over 5 million jobs. “Wealth creation is central. Every household must be involved, either as an owner of wealth or as a worker,” he noted. The President acknowledged concerns raised by religious and community leaders regarding limited funding under the Parish Development Model, particularly in urban and semi-urban parishes where populations are bigger. “The Shs 100 million sent to each parish was only the beginning. We are going to expand the PDM and send more money, especially to urban centers where the need is higher,” he emphasized. The Parish Development Model aims to transition subsistence households into the money economy by channeling financial resources and services directly to parishes, the lowest administrative units in Uganda. Leaders from the Nansana Ghetto Structure, including Zziwa Hamza Kyeyune and Nazziwa Faridah (Hajjat Ghetto), commended the President for extending financial support to 12 ghetto structures in the Kampala Metropolitan Area. They reported that the support has boosted their small businesses and economic prospects. “We have formed the Nansana Patriotic Movement to mobilize for President Museveni and NRM candidates. We are committed to fighting tribalism and religious sectarianism,” said Mr. Zziwa. The ceremony was attended by the Government Chief Whip, Hon. Denis Hamson Obua; the Minister for the Kampala Capital City Authority and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajat Minsa Kabanda; the NRM Director of Mobilization, Hon. Rosemary Sseninde; the PDM National Coordinator, Hon. Dennis Galabuzi; the Commissioner of patriotism, Ms. Hellen Seku; Members of Parliament; among others. The President’s tour, part of his countrywide efforts to monitor and strengthen the effectiveness of wealth creation programs like PDM, continues to underscore the government’s focus on socioeconomic transformation.

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08 July 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI FLAGS-OFF CONSTRUCTION OF BUKASA- SSENTEMA- KAKIRI ROAD, EMPHASIZES WEALTH CREATION AT HOUSEHOLD LEVEL

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, has today officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Bukasa–Ssentema–Kakiri Road. The ceremony was held at Bukasa Catholic Church in Bukasa Village, Bukasa Sub-county, Busiro County, Wakiso District. The 12.7km road, being built by the Chinese company - CICO at a cost of Shs 56 billion, is expected to be completed within 18 months. According to Eng. Simon Odoki, the resident contractor, the contract period runs from May 2, 2025, to November 2, 2026, and the current progress stands at 4.1%. Once completed, the dual carriageway—measuring 18 metres wide—is projected to become one of the best roads in the area. Addressing the gathering, President Museveni explained that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) development strategy focuses on both vertical and horizontal integration, as outlined in the party’s historic Ten Point Programme. He noted that after coming to power, the government prioritized rehabilitating critical roads in Wakiso District that were previously in poor condition and is now moving to upgrade them to tarmac. However, the President cautioned against focusing solely on infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of improving household incomes. “It is good to have a tarmac road, but what is your income at home? That is why we introduced the idea of wealth creation at the household level—because government jobs alone are not enough.” He added that wealth creation would naturally lead to job creation, supplemented by industrial growth and the expansion of service sectors like hospitality and transport. President Museveni further stressed the role of factories in adding value to Uganda’s products and providing employment opportunities, noting that these efforts work together to strengthen the country’s economy. As part of his support to the local community, the President contributed Shs 300 million to Bukasa Catholic Church and the local Protestant church. Former Vice President, H.E. Gilbert Bukenya, who also attended the event, hailed the NRM government for undertaking the road project, which he said had eluded several past leaders. “As a gesture of appreciation, we should support President Museveni and the NRM government in the upcoming elections,” H.E Bukenya urged. He praised the President’s efforts in promoting value addition, citing the rise in factories producing goods locally. In his remarks, Eng. Odoki thanked the people of Wakiso for their cooperation, particularly for willingly providing the right of way without demanding compensation. He attributed the project’s progress to President Museveni’s visionary leadership. The Bukasa–Ssentema–Kakiri Road is expected to improve connectivity within Busiro County, facilitate trade, and boost socio-economic development in Wakiso District and beyond.

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07 July 2025

“FOCUS ON WEALTH CREATION OVER VISIBLE INFRASTRUCTURE,” PRESIDENT MUSEVENI URGES WAKISO RESIDENTS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on residents of Wakiso and Kampala not to be misled by the visible signs of development, such as roads, electricity, schools, and factories, but instead focus on individual efforts toward wealth creation. While addressing a public rally at Wampewo Community Playground in Wakiso District on Monday, July 7, 2025, the President acknowledged the significant infrastructural improvements in Wakiso but emphasized that true transformation begins at the household level. He urged residents to actively engage in income-generating activities as a sustainable way to eradicate poverty. “If you are living in Kampala and you don't want to work in a factory, then do something productive that you can sell to others. These workers in the factories buy milk, meat, food, and other products. So, you can either work in the factory or supply the factories. That is why we have been sending you money all these years and cautioning you not to be diverted by what they call tarmac roads. These developments are for all of us, but individual wealth creation is your responsibility,” President Museveni said. He also reiterated that the more important aspect is ensuring that citizens utilize available resources to create wealth. The rally at Wampewo marked the beginning of President Museveni’s wealth creation and Parish Development Model (PDM) assessment tour in Wakiso District, which has a population of 3,411,177 people, according to the 2024 Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) Population Census. The population is spread across four municipalities, such as Entebbe, Nansana, Kira, and Makindye-Ssabagabo, as well as Wakiso Rural. President Museveni’s first day was eventful. He visited Kagoma Skilling Metal Fabricators in Nansana Municipality and addressed carpenters and metal fabricators in Kawanda. He also met with a Parish Development Model beneficiary, Isaac Luzze, who is involved in piggery and poultry farming in Gombe Division. These visits aimed to inspire local communities by showcasing successful stories of individuals engaged in productive ventures. Reflecting on Uganda’s transformation since 1986, President Museveni noted that the country has transitioned from a time of severe material shortages, including paraffin, salt, sugar, and clothing, to one where local factories now produce these necessities. “I was driving from Kampala to Migadde and coming back. This is an area I know very well, inch by inch. It used to be covered with farms, banana plantations, and forests. Now, it’s filled with factories and shopping centers. That didn’t just happen by accident,” he stated. The President revealed that factories in Uganda have created 1.2 million jobs, compared to 480,000 jobs in the public sector. “The number of factory jobs is now three times higher, and they are growing,” he noted, further disclosing that the agricultural sector has created 3.6 million jobs, while the services sector, including transport and hospitality, has generated 5 million jobs. President Museveni said the government is now focused on ensuring that the workers in the factories are paid well after addressing the cost of doing business to enable the factories to accumulate profits. “We are working on the railway lines from Kenya and Tanzania to lower transport costs. Electricity prices have already been reduced for factories. Once these costs go down, we shall compel factories to pay their workers better salaries,” President Museveni stated. The President did not shy away from criticizing opposition Members of Parliament (MPs), accusing them of neglecting their constituents’ needs. He noted that many opposition MPs were more focused on their salaries than on serving the people who elected them. “When elections come, please chase away these opposition people. They are betrayers who don’t care about you. You're praising Gen. Ddamulira and Major Kuteesa, but ask yourself, for Gen. Ddamulira to come and look for you, what were your MPs doing? They’re just receiving salaries but not following up on your issues. Why are you electing them?” He wondered. He emphasized the need to elect leaders who genuinely represent and advocate for the people. “The Baganda have a saying that ‘Omuggo oguli ku muliraano tegugoba ngo’ (The stick next door cannot help you chase a tiger that has invaded you). I’m in the government supporting you, but I cannot be everywhere. You need representatives who care about your community,” the President added. President Museveni expressed frustration over the slow response to youth-related issues, blaming it on misinformation and political diversion. He urged the youth to take advantage of government programs designed to support them, especially under the Parish Development Model, which aims to transition households from subsistence to market-oriented production. “The problem of the youth should have already been addressed if people were listening. We have created the structures, but they are not being used effectively,” he said. PDM progress in Wakiso: Under the PDM, Wakiso has cumulatively received UGX 30.7 billion, which has been disbursed to 31,952 households across eight constituencies, 27 sub-counties, 147 parishes, and 363 villages. This funding is intended to boost household income and improve the standard of living among residents. Despite these efforts, the President complained about the lack of follow-up by local leaders and communities. “From 1996, apart from roads, we have been putting money into wealth creation at the sub-county level. We started with NAADS, then Operation Wealth Creation, and now the PDM. But the problem is that people are not following up on these programs,” he noted. President Museveni’s wealth creation tour in Wakiso continues until Friday this week.

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07 July 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI KICKS OFF PDM TOUR IN WAKISO, VOWS TO EXTEND MORE SUPPORT

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today kicked off his Parish Development Model assessment tour in Wakiso District, Uganda’s most densely populated district with over 3.4 million residents. According to the 2024 Census, the district stretches across four bustling municipalities Entebbe, Nansana, Kira, and Makindye-Ssabagabo alongside vast rural communities. With Shs 30.7 billion already disbursed to 31,952 households under the PDM, the district represents an opportunity for the government’s flagship wealth creation initiative. The President’s first stop was in Maganjo, Kagoma A Village, where he visited the Kagoma United Fabricators SACCO and Skilling Centre, a Presidential Initiative he personally supported in 2018. The initiative was aimed at helping the local youth acquire tools and practical skills in metal fabrication, plumbing, steel bending, motor mechanics, electrical installation, and construction. Led by Mr. Edward Tebandeke, the SACCO has become a beacon of hope for artisans once trapped in joblessness, now turning metal into opportunity. “I am happy to see that what we started is doing well, and you know how to use the machines very well,” President Museveni said, as he toured the facility accompanied by State House Comptroller Ms. Jane Barekye. He reaffirmed his commitment to continue supporting the group and others alike, thus calling on leaders to remain accountable and ensure that PDM funds reach the intended beneficiaries. Wakiso District, with its 147 parishes and 363 villages, offers a critical testing ground for the success of PDM.

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07 July 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI WELCOMES RUGBY AFRICA OFFICIALS, AFFIRMS UGANDA’S READINESS TO HOST CONTINENTAL TOURNAMENT

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has this morning warmly welcomed Mr. Herbert Mensah, the President of Rugby Africa, and his delegation to Uganda. He praised the sport of rugby as a powerful tool for unity, fitness, and social transformation. Speaking during a high-level meeting at State Lodge, Nakasero , the President expressed deep appreciation for Uganda being included in the Webb Ellis Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour. Uganda has also been selected to host the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, which doubles as a Rugby World Cup qualifying tournament. “Let me start by welcoming Mr. Mensah, the President of Rugby Africa, together with his delegation to Uganda. Thank you for including Uganda in the World Cup Trophy tour,” President Museveni said. “I am very happy to receive you and I’m glad you are promoting the game of rugby, which carries with it important values.” He explained that rugby, unlike some other sports, is particularly effective in instilling national discipline and cooperation. “Rugby captures different elements of purpose. It is physically vigorous, excellent for fitness but more importantly, it builds teamwork. In rugby, you cannot succeed through individual excellence alone. It’s collective effort that wins the game. That’s the spirit our country needs, unity and shared purpose,” he said. President Museveni also responded with humility and perspective when praised for Uganda’s infrastructure. “I am surprised to hear you praising our infrastructure. We are just getting started and we will make it better. What we first built was peace. Uganda had collapsed; it was a failed state. Everything else we are now building stands on that foundation of peace,” he said. Reflecting on the global nature of sport and its place in cultural integration, President Museveni commented on the role of countries like Britain post-European Union exit. “When Britain joined the European Union around 1964, I followed that debate. Since they left, they have become more active in global engagements. Sports, culture, education, science all these are means of keeping nations connected and purposeful. Rugby is now one of those unifying forces,” he added. The President recalled his own sporting days. “Me, I was a footballer in my youthful days. So I understand the joy and discipline that sport brings,” he said. He also proudly noted the rise of Uganda’s female athletes, saying: “I’m glad our daughters are doing very well. They’ve carried the flag with dignity.” On his part, Mr. Mensah expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his visionary leadership and Uganda’s sports transformation. “I want to congratulate you, Your Excellency, not just for your investment in rugby, but for the principles on which you lead. Uganda has become a continental force. At the AU Games in Ghana, your teams were champions. Uganda’s name was mentioned alongside Kwame Nkrumah, Nelson Mandela, and Julius Nyerere,” Mr. Mensah said. He also recalled an earlier fruitful personal encounter with the President. “Many years ago, you hosted us on your ranch and gave us a small lecture. That time left a lasting impression. You gave us sound advice and visionary insights, and I am grateful to stand here again,” he added. Mr. Mensah further cited Uganda’s infrastructure and peace as key reasons Rugby Africa is confident in hosting the World Cup qualifier in the East African country. “We are here because Uganda has what it takes: the infrastructure, peace, and commitment. We would like to stage more competitions here,” he said. Dr. Jonathan Webb, the Vice-Chair of World Rugby, also lauded Uganda’s hospitality and commitment to sports development. “Thank you, Your Excellency, for taking time to receive us. From the moment we arrived, we have experienced nothing but a warm welcome,” said Dr. Webb. “This is my first time in Uganda and its rugby that brought me here. The structure, the passion, the cohesion we see here speaks volumes,” he added. He also emphasized that World Rugby was eager to partner with Uganda further. “We are extremely committed to supporting Uganda’s rugby journey not just as a sport, but as a tool for empowering lives and communities,” he added. Hon. Peter Ogwang, the Minister of State for Sports, said hosting the tournament will inspire a new generation and amplify Uganda’s global reputation. “Your Excellency, I thank you for receiving this delegation and for the strong support you continue to offer to sports. Last week, we honoured our athletes, including our women’s rugby team, who continue to make us proud internationally,” he said. Hon. Ogwang emphasized that Uganda’s sports ecosystem infrastructure, policy, and leadership is now ripe for global attention. “Hosting this World Cup qualifier is more than a sporting event. It will attract global attention, inspire our youth, and give Uganda a platform to tell its story,” He added. He concluded by thanking the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, for her steadfast leadership. “Where Maama leads with prayer, our athletes follow with medals.” Also in attendance was the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Education and Sports, Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda.

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05 July 2025

SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY YOWERI KAGUTA MUSEVENI, GENERAL (RTD) SSABALWANYI SSEMALUNGU, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA AT THE NOMINATION DAY, 5TH JULY 2025

H.E. the Vice President, Rt. Hon Speaker, Chief Justice, The NRM Vice-Chairman, All the other leaders and the supporters of the NRM and all Ugandans. Greetings. I want to thank the NRM Electoral Commission for nominating me. I hope the whole membership of the NRM and its structures will support my candidature as the Chairman of the NRM for the 2025-2031 term and also as flag-bearer for the NRM in the Presidential contest for the 2026-2031 term. Why? It is because I stand here on behalf of the very NRM that started as a student movement in 1965. That nascent student movement emerged in a very fragmented landscape, where polarization followed tribes and religious denominations. That political fragmentation made governance impossible because no fragment could muster a majority in an election. The fragmentation also could not allow institutions to be built up. The victim institutions included the Army, the Judiciary, the Civil Service, etc. With the two fragmentations — political and institutional — came the constitutional collapse in the form of the conflict between Mutesa and Obote in 1966 and the Idi Amin Coup of 1971. The constitutional order was destroyed within the first 10 years of Independence. The next casualty was the small enclave economy (island economy) of the 3Cs and 3Ts. The 3Cs and 3Ts, I have told you repeatedly, were: coffee, cotton, and copper, and the 3Ts were: tobacco, tea, and tourism. Cotton had disappeared, copper had disappeared, tea had disappeared, and so had tourism. It is only coffee and tobacco that were still limping on. There were acute shortages (ebura) of all “essential items” as they were being called — meaning soap, salt, paraffin, textiles, sodas, beers, etc. Our alcohol drinkers were being rescued by “Primus beer” from Burundi and “Muniki” from Congo. Therefore, by 1986, the great Country of Uganda had 3 mega traumas: Political fragmentation caused by sectarianism leading to the collapse of the democratic constitutional order; The collapse of the institutions of State, such as the Army; The collapse of the economy. Given all this and standing where we are today in the year of our Lord 2025, we can see that in the last 60 years, the NRM has been a participant and, for most of the time, a leader of the efforts to do the following in the interests of Uganda: Liberation between 1965 and 1986; Stabilization between 1986-2025; Minimum Economic recovery by restoring the 3Cs and 3Ts, as well as eliminating ebura (shortages); Expanding the narrow enclave economy; Diversifying the economy by commercializing products that were previously thought to be for only subsistence, such as maize, milk, bananas, fruits, beef, poultry, eggs, sugar-cane, cassava, etc; Value addition to these raw-materials; Introducing, through the intensified and expanded education system, the knowledge economy of automobiles, vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, electrical gadgets, computer assembling, etc. What does this mean? It means that the NRM, its cadres, and the masses that have supported them over the years have been participants in and, for most of the time, leaders of the efforts to liberate Uganda from sectarian fragmentation and political collapse; ensure its economic recovery; ensure the growth and expansion of its economy; ensure that the start of social-economic transformation of the society starts so that Uganda becomes a modern Country; and starts the struggle for the economic and political integration of Uganda into Africa so that the Wealth Creators of Africa have a reliable Market to absorb their products. What have been the consequences of this? The consequences have been liberation, democratization, peace, and an economy that is now USD 61 billion by the foreign Exchange method and USD 172.2 billion by the PPP method. The economy has expanded 16 times since 1986 from USD 3.9 billion, according to Finance. This means that Uganda is now a lower middle-income Country with a GDP per capita of USD 1,263 for its population of 46 million People. This means that Uganda is no longer a least Developed Country (LDC). You can look at all the other statistics. They are good if not excellent in many cases. However, we can do much better, especially if we eliminate corruption. What, then, is next and why am I coming forward to respond to the millions of Ugandans who have been ordering me with the slogan: “Tova ku main” — “Do not leave the main electricity line”? It is for two reasons. Reason number one, is to work with the NRM structures to clarify the importance of the 6 aspects that are very crucial in ensuring that Uganda and, maybe by example other parts of Africa, do not again miss the bus of history as happened in the past when Europe transformed and Africa stagnated and was enslaved. In my recent speeches, I have been answering the question that covers these aspects. The question is: “Where does prosperity come from and what are the factors that facilitate it?” I have been identifying 6 aspects: Peace (no war and control of crime); Development (entukuuka, enkulakulana, dongo-lobo, apol); Wealth (obugaiga, obugagga, lonyo, abar, lonyi); Jobs (emirimo, tic, assuam); Services (obuhereza, obuwereza, aijanakin, such as health, education, spirituality, etc); Markets for our products through regional integration. This understanding helps us to, for instance, understand where the majority of the jobs in a developed Country come from. It is from the private sector — commercial farming, factories, services (hotels, transport, etc), and ICT (such as BPOs); not from the Government. Failure to understand this by the Country and the families leads to futile efforts and wasted time. In the short time of Uganda’s recovery, for instance, factories have created 1.2 million jobs compared to only 480,000 jobs of the whole Public Service. Agriculture 3,610,064 jobs; and Services 5,042,188 jobs. The commercial farms, the factories, the service companies (hotels, transport companies, private schools, private hospitals, etc), or ICT companies, are wealth of Private People, but they also create jobs for other Ugandans. That nexus needs to be clear to all of us. Wealth creates jobs. Some of the wealth companies can be Government — such as National Water, Uganda Railways, Uganda Airlines, NEC, etc. They will have the same nexus — wealth and jobs, supported by peace and development (infrastructure). The second reason, is to have leaders and a party that understands and is committed to the need for a qualitative leap from the status of the lower middle-income Country of USD 66 billion by the end of June 2026 to a high middle-income Country of USD 500 billion in the next few years. Some of our People talk of 2040. That is too far for me. I do not see why we cannot achieve it earlier if we are really aggressive in the pursuit of the objective and eliminate corruption. Why do I say this? It is because much of our USD 61 billion economy today is raw-materials. Our coffee, as de-husked coffee beans, brings in USD 2.5 per kg. Yet, the one who roasts, grinds, and packs the coffee earns from USD 25 - 40 per kg. That is how all the coffee growing Countries of the World earn USD 25 billion out of the total value of USD 460 billion, and Germany, a non-coffee growing Country, earns USD 65 billion from coffee. Since we have a wide spectrum of raw-materials of agriculture, raw-materials of minerals, fresh water resources, and forest products, we have a huge potential if we add value to all of them or most of them. By refining tin ore to 99.85% purity, we earn USD 33.66 per kg instead of USD 13.6 - 16.4 for the unprocessed tin ore. When we purify gold to 99.90% purity instead of the previous ……%, tin to 99.85% purity instead of the previous 75% purity, copper to 99.99% purity instead of the previous 95%, we do not only earn more money from that commodity and create more jobs for our children, we also attract the jewellery makers to come to Uganda and make the jewellery there, the factories that need to use tin will come as will the factories that need to use pure copper such as the cables industries, the ones making transformers and the other electrical gadgets that use copper. This vertical and horizontal integration of the sectors will greatly expand the economy. Add to all this, the knowledge economy of automobiles, vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, electronics, using our highly educated manpower, the transformation will be rapid. Therefore, the second reason for the NRM putting forward my name is to cause the qualitative leap of Uganda into a high upper middle-income Country in the next few years, preferably far ahead of 2040 — which is 15 years from now. Other Countries in Asia with less natural resources did it. We can do it. We have already achieved the lower middle-income status by just recovery, diversification, and quantitative expansion with limited value addition. With maximum value addition to all the commercially viable raw-materials and the knowledge economy, we shall achieve the qualitative leap to high middle-income status and, eventually, a first World status. God has enabled me to lead the NRM for the last 60 years through the phases I have outlined above. I believe God will see us through the qualitative leap. I am ready to make my contribution in the next five years phase, both as President and as Chairman of the NRM. As we celebrate the victories of the NRM in the last 60 years, we should not forget to acknowledge the earlier struggles of the Bataka-bbu of the 1920s and IK Musaazi and his colleagues between the 1930s and the 1950s under the Farmers’ Movement and the UNC. Their efforts pushed Uganda towards Independence. It is a pity that the later sectarian politics undermined their efforts. I cannot end this short address without congratulating the millions of the newly elected NRM structures’ leaders from the villages upwards. It is so pleasing to see so many, mainly young People, coming up as the new crop of the NRM leaders. It is now your chance to show that you can lead well. In order to manage politics successfully as we, your predecessors, managed to do, you need to know that productive politics is about ideology (philosophy, ideology, and strategy) and not just about biology (age, gender, etc) and “jobology” (careerism). We have gone this far because of being guided by and working for the three historical missions and the four ideological principles. These are: Prosperity for the People of Africa; Strategic security for Africa; Undugu (brotherhood) of the Africans; And the four ideological principles: Patriotism; Pan-Africanism; Socio-economic transformation; Democracy. We agree or disagree with you over these and not any other reason. If this is your compass, things are easy because they are guided by principles. That is how, for instance, we were able to work with People, even when we were not fully agreed with their overall position. That is how we worked with Binaisa in 1980, Yusufu Lule between 1981-1985 when he died, etc. Even with Obote, we could have worked together or the DP in 1979-1980, if they had been as deliberate as we were, regarding the minimum possible programmes. With us, what is the starting point is not the who but the what. “What is to be done and why?”, as Lenin wrote. The interpersonal frictions we observe are not healthy. It should be the inter-ideological contestation that we should take care of. I, again, congratulate the millions of the new NRM leaders, and we shall see how to support them affordably. My immediate advice to you is to be wealth creators if you are not one already, so that you do not look at leadership as a means of living — job (murimo). Political leadership is about okwerwanako (the People electing you to fight for their interests) and not about being a mupakasi (omukozi ow’ empeera — the hired shepherd that Jesus talked about in the Book of John 10:11-18). If you are not yet a wealth creator already, you should see how additional Government programmes such as PDM and Emyooga can help you to start becoming one. Then, the party can see how to support some of the categories with operational costs. If our generation had had a jobist mentality, Uganda would never have been rescued. All of us — Kategaya, Rwaheeru, Mwesigwa-Black, Mwesiga Martin, Ruzindana, Birihanze, Dennis Echou, Myself, etc, had well-paying Government jobs. On account of conviction, we left those jobs to fight for the salvation of Uganda. Where would Uganda be if we had not done that? What do the younger generations learn from that? You do not have to fight with arms now. However, you should volunteer to serve your People by defending their legitimate interests against corruption, fraud, criminality, land evictions, etc. This is the role of principled political leadership. Long live the sixty years of victories and progress. Long live the efforts of the Ugandan freedom fighters. Long live the qualitative leap to a USD 500 billion economy. All glory to God our creator and sustainer. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, General (Rtd) Ssabalwanyi Ssamalungu PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA

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29 June 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI SALUTES FIRST LADY FOR HER CONTRIBUTION TO UGANDA AS SHE CELEBRATES 77TH BIRTHDAY

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Sunday June 29,2025 paid tribute to the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni. He described her as a resilient woman who stood firmly through decades of personal sacrifice, leadership and service to Uganda. Speaking during her 77th birthday celebration at Migyera UWESO Secondary School in Nakasongola District, the President commended Maama Janet’s unwavering strength, particularly during the years of armed struggle. The day began with the commissioning of a newly constructed classroom block and a multipurpose hall at the school; a joint effort aimed at improving learning facilities in the area. The President and First Lady also planted a commemorative tree in honor of Maama Janet’s milestone. The Thanksgiving celebration, organized by the Uganda Youth Forum, brought together family, friends, church leaders, youth, and government officials in an atmosphere filled with praise and worship. Pastor Patience Rwabwogo led the opening prayer with Pastor Laban Jjumba delivering a powerful sermon. “From 1971 to 1979, I was with her although I would go and come back, but I was around and providing for the family, conveying what Mwalimu Nyerere was giving me to the family, and also briefly earning money as a teacher. But from 1981 to 1986, she was alone with the children in Nairobi and Sweden. So, I thank her for being a magnificent single parent,” President Museveni said. The President recalled the pain of missing important milestones in their children’s lives due to the struggle. “I had last seen Diana when she was only six months old. The next time I saw her; she was six to seven years old. So, it’s a challenge even to other parents that a single parent can stand in for the children,” he said. He applauded Maama Janet not only for raising their children but also for taking on the burden of parenting children who were not her own when she founded the Uganda Women’s Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO) after the war. “She started UWESO, and you have seen how much work she has done to take care of the orphans and widows,” he mentioned. President Museveni also shared how Maama Janet’s journey into politics began, a move he initially resisted. “Then she developed interest in political leadership. I didn’t support that idea myself, especially going for politics in Ruhaama. I didn’t think it was a good idea. She told me God had told her. I said, ‘But God has not told me.’ So, we had quite a bit of debate,” he recounted. “Then the elders in Ntungamo came and said they wanted Maama to come. I said, ‘Okay, maybe God has told you,’ And so I supported her. She provided mature and clean leadership.” President Museveni also contrasted her style with other politicians whom he said lacked ideological clarity. “Part of the problem we have are politicians who are not ideological at all, no point of reference, very opportunistic, running here and there. No stability,” he said. He credited Maama Janet’s success in leadership to her clean record, prayerful nature, and collective approach. “When she was appointed Minister for Karamoja, she did a wonderful job there. Because she was not corrupt, and she used collective leadership consultation, meetings, she really solved leadership problems.” “That’s why she has been able to bring stability in the Ministry of Education. There used to be a lot of problems, but you have seen how education is performing now,” he added. The President also lauded Maama Janet’s role in Uganda’s sports success. “Maama is a distinguished athlete although she can’t run 100 meters, but that ministry of hers has got more medals now than ever before. The sportsmen of Uganda started winning medals under her leadership the likes of Kiprotich, Cheptegei. She prays, and the athletes win. So, she is an athlete by extension,” he said. He emphasized her clean and transparent management of athletes’ funds and her commitment to teamwork and consultation. At home, the President said, Maama Janet remains the builder and the center of family life. “She is a powerful home builder. When it comes to home, she does most of the work. I am just a cattle keeper. Don’t ask me about buildings and rooms. I can stay in the bush with my cows. But she is the one who builds houses and does all the modernization,” he said. “I really want to salute her, thank God for keeping her, and also thank her for her contribution to Uganda and to our family,” he noted. Remembering Her Roots: President Museveni reflected on Maama Janet’s difficult childhood and the hand of God through her life. “Recently, we were in Ntungamo, our birthplace, and I remembered that this is the 70th anniversary since the death of Maama’s father, Mzee Edward Kataaha. He died in 1955, I think the month was April. I was part of the funeral although I was only 10 years old,” he mentioned. “At that time, Maama was only seven. Then her only brother, Kainerugaba, died in a car accident in 1966. He was a foreign service officer in his twenties. Then her mother died later. All those traumas to a young person were really too much. But God saw her through all that.” He also thanked God for blessing them with a family even during the instability of the liberation war. “By 1979, we already had three children, Muhoozi (1974), Natasha (1976), and Patience (1978). Diana was born in 1980. I thank God for sheltering Maama and me through those bad years,” he revealed. Responding to Pastor Laban Jjumba’s sermon, President Museveni reinforced the need for youth to embrace practical skills and productive sectors instead of chasing elusive opportunities abroad. “There is a proverb which says: many tongues pull the porridge. So many people confuse our youth. But if they listen to the NRM line, there is no need to look for jobs outside,” he said. “Jobs are here through commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT. Government jobs are only 480,000, but the factories alone have created 1.2 million jobs.” He cited examples including Minister Fred Byamukama, who earns nearly UGX 700 million annually from poultry farming and employs 26 people, as well as his [President Museveni] own children all of whom, apart from Gen. Muhoozi Kaneirugaba, are self-employed and running farming businesses. “Patience, after Minnesota, remembered her apprenticeship. Natasha is a big cattle farmer. Diana too. Only Muhoozi works for the government because he loves the army,” he said. The President further commended Maama Janet’s support during the national campaign against HIV/AIDS and expressed his full backing for her newly declared war on corruption. “I now support her war which she declared on her 77th birthday on corruption. This is easy to deal with. We just need warriors in the right place,” he said. He also made an appeal to the Christian Lawyers Fraternity to be fearless and committed. The President praised Anne Muhairwe from the fraternity, who was appointed to the IGG’s office and recently stood firm against intimidation. “If she’s got many like her, I would love to see them. What we want to fight corruption is well-investigated cases, not confusion,” he said. “NRM is there. The UPDF is there. We can back you up. It’s not a difficult task, I congratulate Maama on her 77th birthday, And I thank all of you for joining us to celebrate her,” the President concluded. On her part, Maama Janet gave glory to God, describing her life as a testimony to divine grace and unwavering faith. “I must begin by thanking God for His amazing love and faithfulness to me all my life,” she said. She paid tribute to President Museveni, her husband and a friend for the past 52 years, her children, grandchildren, and all Ugandans who have embraced her as ‘Maama’ over the years. She acknowledged the organizing efforts of Dr. James Magara and the Uganda Youth Forum, crediting their heartfelt invitation as the spark for a renewed national mission. A New Battle Begins: Reflecting on the Uganda Youth Forum’s historic role in mobilizing youth against HIV/AIDS in the 1990s, Maama Janet declared the beginning of a new national war this time against corruption, which she boldly referred to as the new AIDS - Acquired Integrity Deficiency Syndrome. “Just like we said NO to HIV/AIDS, we must say NO to corruption. We will not just fight it; we will stop it in its tracks with God’s help,” she declared. Comparing Uganda’s Christian majority with the high integrity culture in countries like Japan, the First Lady challenged Ugandans to let their faith bear real fruit in public and private life. Drawing from scripture, she emphasized the biblical call to live righteously and warned against amassing wealth through dishonest means. “Like a partridge that hatches eggs it did not lay, are those who gain riches by unjust means in the end, they will prove to be fools,” she quoted from Jeremiah 17:11. Maama Janet urged the young people to embrace humility, sexual purity, and servant leadership values long championed through Uganda Youth Forum programs and the Emerging Leaders initiative. She reaffirmed her belief that Uganda’s youth hold the power to transform the nation’s future if anchored in truth, integrity, and God’s Word. Maama Janet concluded by expressing gratitude to partners including Tororo Cement, which helped build the new multi-purpose hall at UWESO, Bishop Joshua Lwere and fellow pastors, the Uganda Christian Lawyers’ Fraternity, the Global Leadership Summit team, and her dedicated staff at UWESO and State House. “You have been the wind beneath my wings,” she said emotionally. The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, described the First Lady as a national pillar of prayer, love and inspiration. “Happy birthday, Maama. It is so humbling to be given the opportunity to come and join you. My dear wife and I are always grateful to you,” Rt. Hon. Tayebwa said. “You have inspired so many people in this country. We especially thank you for the ‘roosters’ you have raised for this nation and the countless sons and daughters you have mentored,” he said. “I have not seen anyone as committed to praying for this nation as you are. We also thank you for taking care of the President. Whenever we see him smiling and full of energy, we are grateful to you,” he said. He also lauded Maama Janet for being a model wife and mother whose presence allows the President to serve the nation with peace of mind. “You have given him the time and space to lead the country, while building an admirable and beautiful family that we all look up to.” Turning to President Museveni, Rt. Hon. Tayebwa reflected on the generational shift in Uganda’s priorities. “For some of us who never witnessed the days of war, conflict, and pain, we sometimes take peace for granted. For many young people today, priorities revolve around TikTok, dancing, and entertainment and we forget the sacrifices that brought us here,” he added. “You have written the history of this country’s pain not only in books, but in your everyday walk. Wherever you go, you have given young people the greatest gift, teaching them how to love one another.” Decades of Selfless National Service: Mrs. Sheba Rukikaire, a longtime friend of Maama Janet delivered a deeply moving tribute during the function. Mrs. Rukikaire praised Maama Janet for choosing a path of active national service over comfort, even after her husband, President Museveni, assumed leadership of the country in 1986. “When we returned home in 1986, you could have chosen to sit comfortably and enjoy the luxury of being the wife of the President. But you did not because you knew what our Lord Jesus needed you to do,” Mrs. Rukikaire said. Quoting the Gospel of Matthew 25:31–40, she likened Maama Janet’s life to the scriptural call to serve “the least of these,” and underscored her work as a clear example of faith in action. “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead,” she added, referencing James 2:17 saying that God prepared her, the First Lady, for this and enabled her to accomplish the tremendous work that is visible for all to see. Mrs. Rukikaire also reflected on their shared journey, beginning when she was invited by Maama Janet to join the Uganda Women’s Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO) after retiring from UNICEF, noting that she would later serve as UWESO Executive Director and work closely with Maama Janet on youth-focused programs. She recalled their early efforts to fight HIV/AIDS in the 1990s, at a time when the disease was ravaging the country, saying that together, they launched national youth conferences promoting sexual purity and abstinence, eventually forming the True Love Waits movement. The initiative, she said, empowered thousands of young people to protect themselves and today many of them serve in public office. “These conferences enabled young men and women to avoid HIV/AIDS. Eventually, these efforts grew into the Uganda Youth Forum,” she noted. Mrs. Rukikaire also spoke of Maama Janet’s commitment to the underprivileged during her time as Minister for the Karamoja Region, saying she witnessed firsthand the transformative work carried out in some of Uganda’s most remote communities. “I always wished we could have stayed longer in Karamoja because it would have made a huge difference to those communities,” she noted. She also highlighted Maama Janet’s founding of the National Strategy for the Advancement of Rural Women, led by Mrs. Margaret Kakitahi, which focused on empowering rural women through training and enterprise. Looking beyond Uganda, Mrs. Rukikaire commended Maama Janet for founding the Organization of African First Ladies, which provided a continental platform for First Ladies to collaborate on social issues affecting women and children. “Even as Minister of Education and Sports today, you continue to follow up on all this work as Patron. I want to thank you, and I thank God who has enabled you to accomplish so much for this nation,” she concluded. The event was also attended by Ministers, Members of Parliament, Spiritual leaders, the Leadership of Uganda Youth Forum, Uganda Christian Lawyers Fraternity, UWESO, among dignitaries.

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