PRESIDENT MUSEVENI TASKS MUSLIMS TO PRAY FOR A PEACEFUL UGANDA

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged the Muslim faithfuls to pray for Uganda to remain peaceful. “As you embark on your pilgrimage to Mecca, pray for Uganda to remain peaceful,” he said. The President made the remarks today in his message delivered by the State House Comptroller, Ms. Jane Barekye while flagging-off 100 Muslims who are going for Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. The flag-off ceremony took place at the Office Of the Prime Minister Conference Hall in Kampala. Hajj is a sacred pilgrimage that is required of every Muslim at least once in their lifetime – it is one of the five pillars of Islam. Each year, millions of Muslims from across the world travel to and perform Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The Hajj of various Imams, Sheikh, Sheikats, among others, was fully-funded by the State House under the directive of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Ms. Barekye also revealed that the President requested believers, especially the leaders to preach the gospel of wealth creation to ensure that Ugandans get out of poverty. Ms. Barekye further informed Muslims that if they have land, President Museveni encourages them to fight poverty through commercial agriculture. “Embrace the four acre model for those with small land Holdings. You can put coffee on one acre, another acre grow fruits, the third acre grow pasture for zero grazing, then on the fourth acre grow food crops,” she said. “But as a leader you should lead by example, create avenues of wealth creation so that people can take a leaf from you.” During the same event, Ms. Barekye delivered President Museveni's financial support of USD500 to each beneficiary which they will use as upkeep while on pilgrimage. “H.E the President also thanked you for loving God and it's the reason why he sponsored you for Hajj. Everything has been fully funded,” she noted. The Senior Presidential Advisor for Political Mobilization, Mr. Moses Byaruhanga commended President Museveni for having a listening ear and ensuring that he works for all people, especially the ordinary Ugandans. He also thanked Ms. Barekye for being a hardworking public servant who works around the clock to ensure that President Museveni’s pledges and directives to Ugandans are fulfilled. “President Museveni takes the Hajj program in high esteem, that's why he offers 100 slots each year.” He also informed the beneficiaries that President Museveni will host them for Shukuru (thanksgiving) at State House Entebbe when they come back from Hajj. Mr. Byaruhanga further urged believers to embrace President Museveni’s wealth creation programs like the Parish Development Model to fight poverty and improve their livelihoods. He assured Muslims that PDM does not contravene the Islamic teachings against riba. He said the small interest is not profit from grant, but it's meant to keep the program afloat amidst inflation challenges. The Deputy Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Hafidh Haroon Muhammad Bukenya, on behalf of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) thanked the government of Uganda and President Museveni for the continued support towards Islam. “We thank President Museveni for making this offer annually. As Muslims, we are very happy for the support from this government. They have really supported us financially and socially,” he said. “We cannot thank President Museveni enough apart from praying for him. Let us continue praying for our government and our President so that they stay in power peacefully.” Sheikh Bukenya also called upon Muslims to always respect the government and their leaders because, “Leadership comes from God”. “We pray for the good health of our President so that he can continue serving this nation.” Hajjat Mariam Namayanja, The Special Presidential Assistant in charge of Monitoring the Parish Development Model programs expressed gratitude to President Museveni for supporting the Muslims to go for Hajj annually. Sheikh Saidi Kasawuuli, the Chairman of the National Association of Imams and Duats of Uganda thanked President Museveni for loving Muslim faithfuls and always supporting them in various initiatives including funding Hajj for several muslims annually. Hajji Sadat Kisuyi, the Director of Anwaary Travel Agency which offers Hajj and Umrah services, thanked Allah for enabling the selected few to fulfil the 5th pillar of Islam. “When you go to Mecca, pray for our President and thank Allah for him. He gives Muslims in Uganda 100 Hajj slots annually,” he said.

2025-06-27

HOW SHS1 MILLION PDM MONEY TRANSFORMED LIFE OF BUTAMBALA RESIDENT

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today resumed his countrywide Parish Development Model (PDM) assessment tour, this time focusing on Greater Mpigi. Among the lives touched by this PDM initiative, is that of Ms. Rashida Namubiru, a resident of Butambala District. Once defined by hardship and uncertainty, Ms. Namubiru’s life took a dramatic turn when she received Shs1m through the PDM. The President visited her home in Kasaka Village, Gombe Ward, where he witnessed firsthand the results of strategic empowerment. Ms. Namubiru is a wife to Mr. Muhamood Kasule, a mother of eight children, six of her own and two belonging to her late sister. For years, her life was defined by struggle. “Before the Parish Development Model, life was extremely difficult. If I had a problem of Shs100,000, I couldn’t solve it. That’s how helpless I was. I lived in fear of even the smallest emergency,” she said. Then came a turning point: One day, parish chiefs arrived in her village and began sensitizing residents about the Parish Development Model, a government initiative aimed at helping Ugandans transition from subsistence to market-oriented farming. She mentioned that some villagers dismissed it, thinking it was just more unfulfilled promises. But Namubiru listened and believed. “They trained us, told us about enterprise groups and how to apply. We formed one called the Kasaka Goat Rearing Group, with eight members. We filled the forms, attended the training at Gombe Parish and waited,” she noted. Then came the moment that changed her life. “I was at home when I received a message on my phone. It said I had received Shs1 million from Gombe PDM SACCO. My hands started shaking. I couldn’t believe it. I thought it was a mistake, maybe even a scam,” Ms. Namubiru recalled. “In my entire life, I had never held Shs1m in my hands, not at once, not even in a dream. I called the LC1 chairman to confirm if it was real. He told me, ‘Yes, it is true. That’s the money from the President, through PDM’, I started crying. That was the first time I felt truly seen by my country,” the beneficiary said. “I held that money and made a promise to myself that it will not go to waste. This money is going to change my life.” Determined to invest wisely, she traveled to Kibibi Town Council and bought three young female goats at Shs 250,000 each, and one male goat at Shs 150,000 spending a total of Shs900,000. With the remaining Shs94,000, she built a temporary shelter for the animals. “I had no background in goat rearing, but I started doing research, asking questions, and learning every day. I knew this was my chance,” she said. Five months later, all three female goats conceived and gave birth to three kids each. Her herd quickly grew to more than 10 goats. When veterinary officers visited, they encouraged her to build a stronger structure for the animals. She sold two of the young goats for Shs 400,000 and used the money to build a permanent, self-contained shelter. Her success didn’t stop at goats: Using manure from her growing herd, Ms. Namubiru enriched her coffee and banana plantations. The impact was immediate. In the past, she would earn just Shs500,000 per season from two bags of coffee. Now she recently made Shs1.7 million from the same garden. “With that money, I bought a cow. And with the remaining Shs700,000, I did something that had haunted me for years. I took my son back to school. He had stopped at Senior Four because we had no money. Now he’s studying a course at Namasuba College of Commerce.” “PDM has restored my dignity. I’m no longer a beggar. I’m a contributor, a farmer, a mother who can now educate her child,” she said. Ms. Namubiru now owns eight goats, one cow, a coffee plantation, bananas, and a piece of land, with her home all sustained through her hard work. “I want to be a model farmer. I want people to come and learn from me. I haven’t sold my goats because I want to multiply them. This is only the beginning.” To those who think the PDM is only for the elite or supporters of a particular party, Ms. Namubiru is clear. “This money is not for NRM, or any political group. It is for all Ugandans: Muslims, Catholics, Protestants, people of every tribe, every religion. Anyone who thinks otherwise will be left behind while we are moving forward,” she said. She also urged the government to continue and expand the program. “PDM should reach millions of more people. It has changed my life, and it can change so many others. I am a living proof of what Shs 1 million invested in the right hands can do,” she said. On his part, President Museveni hailed Ms. Namubiru’s achievements as a shining example of the success the PDM program was designed to foster. “You know that parable of the sower, the crowd gathered to welcome him. “Some seeds fell on rocky ground, some on the road, but some fell on good soil and bore fruit. Rashida reminds me of this parable because of her hard work,” the President said. Moved by her effort and entrepreneurial spirit, the President announced personal support. “She has gotten the courage to develop. I will ask my people and buy her more acres of land. She also mentioned transportation. I will contribute Shs 12 million to get her a tuk-tuk,” he said. Speaking directly to the people of Butambala, President Museveni used Namubiru’s success to illustrate the purpose of the Parish Development Model, a government program that injects Shs100 million per year into each parish to support household-level wealth creation. “This money is not for the government, it is yours. Use that money, and after 24 months, return it to your SACCO so that others can borrow. We are thinking of increasing it to Shs 200 million per parish.” President Museveni also emphasized that he had rejected bank charges on PDM funds, ensuring that every eligible beneficiary receives the full Shs1 million. “The government will cater for those charges. All PDM beneficiaries must get Shs1 million,” he insisted. A lifelong fight against poverty: The President reflected on his long-standing campaign to combat poverty, tracing it back to the 1960s in the Ankole region, where he encouraged pastoralists to embrace settled farming and adopt dairy practices. “My vision was clear to empower communities through modern farming and entrepreneurship. The Ankole people embraced my message of wealth creation, and today the region has transformed,” he said. From Entandikwa, to NAADS, Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), Emyooga, and now PDM, President Museveni underscored that all these efforts stem from a single goal: to lift Ugandans out of poverty. He also spoke about the importance of ‘ekibaro’ economic logic in choosing the right enterprise based on land size and potential. He said whether it’s dairy, poultry, fish farming, coffee, fruits, or cocoa, the key is to make it count. “Even one acre can employ up to 15 people. Uganda has 40 million acres suitable for agriculture. If we use just 7 million effectively, we can create 105 million jobs, more than double of Uganda’s population.” As he concluded his visit, the President expressed optimism in the rising spirit of entrepreneurship and self-reliance across the country. “I am happy to see that you people have woken up and are working towards eliminating poverty. Let no one misuse this PDM money, it is a treasure for your future. Fight poverty and create wealth. The time is now,” he said. The event was also attended by the Government Chief Whip, Hon. Denis Hamson Obua, the Minister of State for Investment and Privatisation, Hon. Evelyn Anite, State House Comptroller, Ms. Jane Barekye, among others.

2025-06-16

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI MEETS GERMAN AMBASSADOR H.E MATTHIAS SCHAUER

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Friday, 13th June 2025 met and held a strategic discussion with the Ambassador of Germany to Uganda, His Excellency Matthias Schauer at State Lodge, Nakasero. The meeting focused on exploring ways to enhance collaboration in key sectors such as trade, investment, technology, sports development, among others. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the longstanding partnership between Uganda and Germany. President Museveni emphasized the importance of partnerships based on mutual respect and shared development goals, highlighting Uganda’s commitment to sustainable progress. Ambassador Schauer thanked President Museveni for the warm reception and the opportunity to engage in a meaningful dialogue, expressing optimism about the continued growth of Uganda–Germany relations.

2025-06-14

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI RALLIES UGANDAN DIASPORA TO INVEST BACK HOME

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged the Ugandan diaspora to invest back home and also use their global exposure, networks and influence to attract more tourists to visit Uganda. The President made the remarks on Saturday,14th June, 2025 while meeting a delegation of 25 members of the NRM Diaspora Cadres Initiative, led by Mr. Boaz Byayesu Kabururu and Mr. Richard Kyabihende Nkuru from the United States of America. The in-depth engagement at State House Entebbe focused on key issues, namely, savings and investing back home, identifying markets across North America for Ugandan products, promoting and increasing tourism to Uganda, countering misinformation and promoting Uganda's image, attracting investors to Uganda, facilitating skills and technology transfer, and advocating for strategic unity of all Ugandans abroad. The team presented a strategic framework aimed at strengthening the bond between Uganda and its global diaspora while enhancing national development efforts. The President pointed out possible areas of investment, such as establishing low-cost housing in the areas near the industrial parks to save Ugandans the burden of trekking long distances to and from work. According to President Museveni, the industrial parks such as Namanve, Mukono, Kapeeka, Mbale, and others employ thousands of workers who are struggling with accommodation. “These industrial parks are capturing big populations, and low-cost houses would help us so that these people just walk to their workplaces,” President Museveni said. About saving and investing back home, the diaspora team emphasized the need to encourage structured savings and collective investment. Proposals included launching Diaspora-led cooperative investment schemes, real estate ventures, and SMEs to tap into Uganda’s fast-growing sectors. President Museveni welcomed this initiative, noting that channelling foreign remittances into productive enterprises is vital for national wealth creation. Mr. David Matanda informed President Museveni that they are orienting fellow colleagues in smart ways of saving, such as opening up fixed deposit accounts, which would generate 10 to 15% annual interest, and also investing in stock markets and real estate. “All those are wonderful ideas, because treasury bills are secure money, where the government borrows from the public and then gives you interest, for sure. So, this is a smart move,” said President Museveni as he welcomed the move. On the issue of identifying markets across North America and connecting consumers for Ugandan products, the team pledged to actively scout for niche markets for Ugandan goods such as coffee, vanilla, tea, crafts, and agricultural produce. By establishing diaspora-led trade channels, they aim to bridge supply chains and connect Ugandan producers directly to consumers and retailers abroad. President Museveni encouraged this approach, describing it as a step towards export-led industrialization. He also urged the diaspora to invest in commercial agriculture back home, especially crops and fruits that are on high demand in Europe, such as passion fruits. Mr. Brian Kwesiga, a former President of the Uganda North American Association (UNAA) based in Washington, DC, informed President Museveni that he had already secured an importer's license to import alcoholic beverages, such as wine and spirits, into the United States. About promoting and increasing tourism to Uganda, the delegation committed to boosting Uganda’s visibility as a prime tourism destination through digital marketing, diaspora-led tours, and partnerships with travel influencers. President Museveni noted that tourism is a key pillar in the economy and welcomed all efforts to increase visitor numbers. Ms. Brenda Nangasha requested President Museveni for land to establish state-of-the-art lodges in the national parks so as to attract more tourists, who will, in turn, counter the negative publicity about Uganda abroad. “We have worked with the ruler of Sharjah in the UAE to build an international Airport and hotels at his cost. So, you’re right, these are the ones who will tell their colleagues to ignore the bad publicity,” President Museveni noted. “But it's better if you lure those indigenous African people there to come and visit Uganda. Our climate and the food are very good. Everyone who comes here does not want to return,” he added. President Museveni also officially recognized the group as the principal NRM Diaspora Cadres Initiative, tasked with coordinating all diaspora engagement efforts moving forward. “The endorsement marks a significant milestone in formalizing diaspora contributions toward Uganda’s development agenda,” Team leader Byayesu said. The meeting marks a renewed commitment by the government to actively involve the Ugandan diaspora in national development and global advocacy. The endorsed team is expected to begin immediate implementation of their action points, working closely with key ministries and agencies.

2025-06-14

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI HAILS UPDF FOR CONTRIBUTING TO THE SECURITY OF AFRICA

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who is also the Commander‑in‑Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has hailed the army for their role in Africa's security and stability through strategic professional training initiatives. While officiating at the third graduation ceremony of the National Defence College- Uganda (NDCU) in Buikwe district today, Gen. Museveni congratulated the UPDF for doing the right thing for Uganda by developing key institutions which never existed before. “I want to congratulate the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and UPDF for finally building a comprehensive infrastructure both human and physical, for the defence of Uganda and for contributing to the security of Africa,” President Museveni said, adding that going forward, they need to critically look in detail at the content of what is being taught, so that it captures properly the political economy of the world. “All this time, all these problems you see in Africa are because of mistakes. They make philosophical, strategic and ideological mistakes,” the President noted. He added that not understanding the role of the private sector, patriotism, Pan Africanism, and the concept of army building, has made most of the African countries fail to keep peace and this should be emphasized during the training. “As you train our people, you should also bring these points out clearly, because we have written about them,” President Museveni noted, adding that it’s because of these attributes that the UPDF is now able to maintain peace in Uganda and also export it to neighboring countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, and South Sudan, sometimes without external funding except for Somalia. The 3rd cohort consisted of 22 graduates who successfully completed the National Security and Strategic Studies course (the NDC Course). The 22 include two lady officers; Brig Gen. Charity Bainababo and Col. Betty Wanyera Musuya and one civilian Mr. Ronnie Smurts Amoro, a Principal Policy Analyst in the Ministry of Defense and Veteran Affairs (MoDVA). President Museveni underscored the importance of NDC in equipping the commanders with knowledge in different areas of warfare such as combined arms, administration, the economy, the politics and social services which are crucial in building a capable human resource, key in strategic security. “So, the concept of combined arms is that you need to combine a number of elements to get success in fighting. You combine infantry support, weapons of infantry, Air Force, armor, all that communication, reconnoitring, that's very, very important to you. We must be clear about that,” President Museveni said. The President was also happy to note that citizens, especially traders have now picked interest in the East African Integration and are now advocating for it to become a reality. “Traders are now demanding tarmacked roads connecting the East African countries to ease trade in the region.” According to the Commandant of National Defence College- Uganda, Brig Gen. Alex Opolot Olupot, all the NDC course members successfully completed the National Security and Strategic Studies course and have also passed all the exams of the first part of their Masters in Security Strategy programme of Makerere University and will, after leaving NDC continue to complete their research paper for the awards of their master’s degree. He expressed gratitude on behalf of NDC to the Minister of Defence and UPDF senior leadership for their unwavering guidance and support towards the successful accomplishment of this course. NDC-U is concurrently running two distinct but complementary courses. The primary course is National Security and Strategic Studies (NSSS) which runs for 11 months, and the second course being a two-year Master of Security Strategy (MASS) programme of Makerere University, (fully approved by the NCHE) and it runs in both NDC and Makerere University, anchored under the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS). The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth underscored the role of the National Defence College-Uganda in strengthening national security and governance, owing to the complex security challenges faced today, that demand for well trained, informed and capable leaders. “The college stands as a beacon of excellence in fostering a culture of collaboration and strategic thinking amongst our nation's decision makers,” the minister said, adding that the UPDF military education program is very rich, spanning from offering certificates to Master's degree equivalents and are now aspiring to establish a National Defence University, so as to consolidate all military professional trainings and internal capacity in areas of research and innovation, among others. “The National Defence University, once established, will offer other higher security related courses, promoting research and development and innovation into appropriate security systems. I am also happy to announce that the National Defence College-Uganda will soon begin admitting course members from various ministries, departments and agencies,” the Minister stated. He further informed the President that the college is in talks with neighbors, and negotiations are on to acquire the land around for further development as part of the ongoing efforts to improve the infrastructure of NDC. The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces of the UPDF, Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, described the National Defence College-Uganda as an institution dedicated to providing advanced military education and strategic training for senior officers and also civilians. He further informed President Museveni that the college plays a crucial role in shaping leaders who can effectively address complex security issues and contribute to the country's overall development. “Your Excellency, through your leadership, we have made successful strides in the direction of development as a country, it's the results of your visionary leadership that has brought us this far,” he said. The Deputy CDF congratulated the graduates for embracing and succeeding in the strategic security course and urged them to directly tackle the challenges affecting national security such as corruption. He also appreciated the college leadership and the teaching staff for the job well done. Meanwhile, the overall leadership and academic excellence award was given to Col. Ronald Mulindwa Nangamba followed by Col. Henry Okumu Obbo. Similarly, Mr. Ronnie Smurts Amoro was recognized for the exceptional contribution to the college's academic legacy and the broader field of Strategic Studies, whose paper focused on health service delivery and national security, a critical review of Uganda's health sector performance and prospects from 1986 to 2024. He was followed by Col. Nicholas Humble Nyesiga whose paper looked at the African peace and security architecture. The National Defence College-Uganda was established as a formation within the UPDF by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Uganda and Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, on 14th November 2021. The College was officially inaugurated by the President on 28th January 2022, and the inaugural cohort of 18 course members commenced their studies on 31st January 2022. The ceremony was also attended by among others, the Minister of state for Defence in charge of Veteran Affairs, Huda Oleru, the Permanent Secretary-Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Ms. Rosette Byengoma, and Hon. Diana Mutasingwa, the Minister of State in the office of the Vice President who is also the Woman Member of Parliament for Buikwe district. Others were Commanders and senior officers of the UPDF.

2025-06-13

“UGANDA’S ECONOMY HAS TAKEN OFF,” PRESIDENT MUSEVENI AFFIRMS AS HE UNVEILS SHS 72 TRILLION BUDGET

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today unveiled Uganda’s 2025/2026 national budget, declaring that the economy has taken off and rallied leaders to match financial allocations with performance and accountability. The Shs 72.376 trillion budget was delivered under the theme: “Full Monetization of the Ugandan Economy Through Commercial Agriculture, Industrialization, Expanding and Broadening Services, Digital Transformation and Market Access”. In fulfillment of Article 155(1) of the Constitution and on behalf of His Excellency the President, Hon. Matia Kasaija, the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, presented the Budget for the Financial Year 2025/26 to Ugandans as approved by Parliament. The ceremony took place at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. Referring to the Finance Minister’s presentation, the President said: “Here the size of Uganda’s economy is now $61 billion by the exchange rate method and $174 billion by the purchasing power parity method. Given our population, which is about 45 million Ugandans, we are no longer a least developed country. We are now a lower middle-income country.” President Museveni emphasized economic stability indicators that signaled progress as indicated by the Finance Minister stating: “GDP growth, and price stability: Are the prices stable or not? Currency stability, is the currency stable or not? Are jobs being created or not? Are export earnings going up or not? And finally, are foreign direct investments coming in or not? I thought we should note that.” President Museveni underscored that in 1986, Uganda’s GDP was just $3.9 billion noting that, “You can see the economy has grown more than 20 times, I thought you should mark that, because in a long speech like this you may not notice the big picture.” This year’s budget is anchored in the Fourth National Development Plan (NDPIV) 2025/26–2029/30, with strategic investments categorized into ATMs priority sectors such as agro-industrial development, tourism, minerals (including oil and gas), ICT and “Enablers” which are public infrastructure and services critical for business growth. But beyond the numbers and planning frameworks, President Museveni used his address to spotlight mismanagement and inefficiencies in budget execution, warning that Uganda’s transformation cannot be undermined by negligence. “I heard the veterans of Luweero in Lyantonde on Heroes Day raising issues. When I checked, we had already provided Shs 218 billion or something like that for the kasimo, and it was flipped to be Shs5 million for elders each and Shs1 million for the supporters. So, what happened to this money?” President Museveni asked. He demanded clarity on the long-standing cattle compensation for conflict-affected regions. “For Teso, Lango, Acholi, we have always spent Shs 200 billion on that, and we have already budgeted Shs 80 billion. So, leaders, follow up that money.” The President also turned his attention to public investments in sports saying, “Then you get things like stadiums. The National Council of Sports needs to explain to us. I hear some money has gone to Kakyeka and a number of them to do some work, others are going to be done massively, and so on. So, the Council of Sports should also explain and brief Maama about this money.” On matters of security, President Museveni issued a stern warning about growing misconceptions over digital number plates. “I saw some issues about the digital number plates, that people are being fined. I don’t know for what, but the issue about the number plates is not about fines. It’s anti-crime,” he said. Citing the recent murder of Wayengera Godfrey, 45, a resident of Namumira village in Mukono town, who was killed on June 10, 2025, President Museveni said, “I can’t accept our Ugandans dying because of incomplete infrastructure. Remember when I addressed you in Parliament in 2019, I told you about the cameras you were there with your policemen asking, “Ani eyamulabye?” He explained that the digital number plates are central to crime-fighting, not revenue collection. “Let’s go technical. Let’s have smart means. They have helped us solve a number of things. These are digitized number plates with a central command not collecting fines and so on,” he said. “I think the confusion about fines could be because we didn’t have money and we told these people to put number plates and recover money. The issue is about the number plate being diagnosed. Every vehicle must have a digital number plate traced by a central command to know which cars, which boda was in the area. The issue is not about money. No. It’s about security. They are acting with impunity. This is not about fines. It’s about security.” President Museveni also reaffirmed the central role of government-led initiatives such as NAADs, Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), the Parish Development Model (PDM), and Emyooga in transforming lives. “The Government, through the budgets, is the one that can help the people to solve their problems. Programs like NAADs, OWC, PDM, Emyooga, etc., have already shown that they can liberate people from poverty,” he said. He cited tangible examples of economic transformation driven by government science and innovation. “The current Coffee boom was on account of the Government scientists who developed the improved Clonal Coffee, different from the old variety that people in Bushenyi had abandoned for the Dairy industry. The Dairy industry in the cattle corridor, the Kalangala Palm oil projects, are projects pushed by the government that have transformed people’s lives,” the President noted. REJECT BRIBERY, PROTECT YOUR POWER AS VOTERS: President Museveni sharply criticised the growing trend of political bribery and vote-buying disguised as fundraising, warning that it is undermining the electorate’s power and sabotaging national progress. “Not petty money from MPs for fundraising or bribes. The voters need to know that these practices of bribes and fundraising are overthrowing the voters’ power to elect leaders that will work with the Central Government to solve their problems,” he said. President Museveni was emphatic about the need for voters to resist being seduced by envelopes of cash and instead focus on choosing leaders who will protect their interests. “Do not accept petty money from politicians and throw away your power to elect a leader that can kwemerera (supervise) the money sent to you through the Parish, fight corruption, etc. Once we solve the political corruption that has paralyzed the populist politicians, it will be easy to fight the corruption of the Public Servants,” he said. Drawing on Uganda’s history of civic engagement, President Museveni called upon the people to be vigilant, insisting that the masses are the true whistleblowers in the fight against corruption. “It is because we have a reliable source for kurega (whistleblowing). These are the people, the victims of the corruption.” He further outlined the key drivers of Uganda’s transformation, crediting the NRA/UPDF, the wealth creators in agriculture, manufacturing, services and ICT, government scientists, and patriotic members of the political class who support the NRM programs. “The big changes that are happening in Uganda, are by the following actors: the NRA/UPDF that liberated the country and has been ensuring peace ever since; the wealth creators in the four sectors. the Government scientists that make innovations, and the responsible members of the political class that have been supporting the NRM programs. It is, therefore, not fair for some actors to spoil these great successes,” the President said. “Some people say that they give bribes because Museveni is always giving the khaki envelope to members of the population. Do not draw water and mud; do not mix up issues. The brown envelopes I give are part of the ancient traditions here. It is called okurongoora. It is the King who does that to the singers, or wrestlers, etc. President is the modern ‘King’. You are not ‘Kings’. I have a budget for that. I do not sell my cows to get money to kurongoora singers.” He condemned the exploitative culture of individual fundraising pushed by politicians, describing it as unsustainable and misleading. “Fundraising was and is premature. The healthy fundraising is okusonda, whereby you make small equal contributions but by many contributors,” he said. Recalling a humble past, President Museveni invoked a childhood example from his father, Mzee Kaguta, saying, “In the 1950s, Mzee Kaguta sometimes would participate in kusondera (contribute) for enjogga (a potful) of rwaagwa (banana alcohol). At that time, enjogga was 5 shillings. Five people would contribute Shs 1 each.” He criticized politicians who create false impressions of wealth and burden themselves with unsustainable donations. “With the rampant fundraising, the MP carries the whole burden. It is really extortion, but it was instigated by the MPs who created the impression that they had the type of money which they did not have,” the President noted. Challenging the culture of silent approval of suspicious wealth, President Museveni urged elders and church leaders to question the source of lavish donations from young politicians. “Even the church leaders and other elders should ask those young mistake makers: ‘Naye mwana wange, esente zino zonna, ozigyawa?’ That is what a responsible parent should ask omwana (son or daughter) or omuzukulu (grandchild) if he/she sees him or her throwing around money,” he said. The President concluded with a firm moral warning: “The responsible parents do not accept stolen gifts from their children.” On her part, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among applauded the President for fulfilling his constitutional duty by presenting the national budget for the 2025/2026 financial year, describing the moment as a reaffirmation of Uganda’s democratic and constitutional principles. “Once again, we are honoured to host His Excellency the President as he fulfills his constitutional obligation to deliver the National Budget Speech. We thank him for his unwavering commitment to this important duty,” Speaker Among said. She emphasized that the presentation of the budget is not a one-man affair but the result of a collaborative and consultative process involving multiple stakeholders across government, civil society, and the citizenry. “Today’s budget reading is a culmination of inclusive engagement. It is the result of cooperation among all stakeholders, and we commend the participatory and transparent nature in which this process has been undertaken,” she said. As a Parliament that prides itself on being people-centred, Rt. Hon. Among rallied stakeholders to go beyond participation and ensure active involvement in the implementation phase of the budget. “We urge all players in the budget process to ensure civic awareness, execution, and above all, accountability. Participation should not end with planning. It must carry through to real impact,” she stressed. Rt. Hon. Among said Parliament remains fully cognizant of the critical role that people’s participation plays in shaping Uganda’s development path, describing it as a cornerstone of national progress. “Participation of our people is not a formality, it is a principle. It reflects the true spirit of our beloved nation,” she affirmed. Highlighting key milestones, the Speaker noted Parliament's significant contributions in shaping the financial year 2025/2026 budget. She said the legislature had diligently scrutinized and approved ministerial policy statements during the period of April 9th to 16th, ensuring alignment with national priorities. “During this period, Parliament approved ministerial statements that provided a strong foundation for the budget,” she revealed. Further, she highlighted that the House passed seven crucial revenue bills aimed at boosting government capacity to raise and manage revenue sustainably. “These revenue bills are instrumental in enabling the realization of the targets set for the new financial year. They are not just laws, they are economic tools designed to fuel transformation,” said Rt. Hon. Among. While presenting the budget, Hon. Kasaija stated that Uganda’s economy is no longer defined by fragility, but by resilience and stability, saying that this has attracted investors and fueled sustained growth. “Uganda’s economy has fully recovered from previous global, regional, and domestic shocks and is firmly on a path of transformation. We expect to grow by 6.4 percent this coming financial year,” the minister declared. Hon. Kasaija attributed this economic strength to Uganda’s sound fiscal policies, targeted infrastructure investments, improved access to affordable credit, and strong private sector development, all of which have helped reduce the cost of doing business across the country. Tracing Uganda’s economic journey since 2010, the Minister highlighted the government’s long-term strategy anchored in patriotism, Pan-Africanism, democracy, and socio-economic transformation—the four key principles that continue to guide Uganda’s development. “The early years of the NRM government were focused on restoring peace, stabilizing a broken economy, and addressing extreme poverty. Today, we are firmly in the phase of socio-economic transformation, “Hon. Kasaija explained. “For the first time, Uganda also met the UN criteria for graduation from the least developed country status in March 2024. This achievement reflects our commitment to inclusive development,” he said. He noted that Education and health remain top priorities, with Shs 11.4 trillion allocated under the Human Capital Development Program, noting that funds will support teacher salary enhancements, classroom construction, digital learning infrastructure, and reforms in the lower secondary curriculum. “We are also investing in youth skilling through the Presidential Industrial Hubs and the Skilling Uganda Program, to boost employability and productivity,” Hon. Kasaija added. He further highlighted that Debt servicing takes a significant share of the budget, with Shs 28.5 trillion allocated, Shs 11.3 trillion for interest payments, shs 4.9 trillion for external debt, and shs 1.4 trillion for clearing domestic arrears. The Minister clarified that the budget has been financed by Shs 37.2 trillion in domestic revenue, Shs 11.3 trillion in domestic borrowing, Shs 11.3 trillion from external project support, and Shs 10 trillion for domestic debt refinancing. The minister mentioned that Transport infrastructure has been allocated Shs 6.8 trillion, with Shs 2.2 trillion going to roads and bridges and Shs1.17 trillion earmarked for the Standard Gauge Railway, noting that it will enhance regional equity. “We shall prioritise road projects as highlighted by His Excellency the President, including: Puranga-Acholibur (65km), Kampala-Gayaza-Kalagi (33km), Lugazi-Kiyindi (28km), Kabwohe-Nyakabirizi (92.2km), Busega-Mpigi (10kms),” he said. “On the railway, the government has completed the refurbishment and commissioning of the Mukono-Kampala Metre Gauge Railway. In addition, 375 kilometres of the Tororo-Gulu line are being rehabilitated and will be completed by February 2026.” To drive household incomes and economic inclusion, key wealth creation programs remain central, he said that the Parish Development Model will receive Shs 1.075 trillion, while Emyooga has been allocated shs 100 billion, and the informal sector Shs 3 billion. “The Uganda Development Bank will receive Shs 414 billion to support agro-industrial and manufacturing ventures, ensuring access to affordable capital for local enterprises,” Hon. Kasaija announced. On inflation, the minister said that it is under control. “Despite global uncertainties, the Uganda shilling has been among the few most stable currencies in Africa.” The event was also attended by the Vice President, H.E Jessica Alupo, His Lordship Alfonse Owiny Dollo, the Chief Justice, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Members of parliament, members of the Diplomatic Corps, among others.

2025-06-12