Museveni Courts Former Opposition, Reaffirms Commitment to Key Progress Programs
2026/01/13 14:18:11
KOLOLO, UGANDA – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni addressed a massive gathering at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds today, welcoming thousands of converts from teh National Unity Platform (NUP) and engaging with Muslim leaders, students, and youth groups. The event underscored the President’s ongoing efforts to consolidate support across diverse segments of Ugandan society, notably as the nation approaches upcoming elections.
Welcoming Defectors and reasserting NRM’s Core Principles
Over 10,000 former NUP supporters formally declared their allegiance to the National Resistance Movement (NRM). President Museveni warmly received them, emphasizing that the NRM has always been a party dedicated to the empowerment of ordinary citizens. He reiterated the party’s foundational principle of enabling citizens to elect their representatives at all levels, from the local council (LC1) to the presidency.This commitment, he explained, directly informed his decision to introduce Universal Primary and Secondary Education in 1997, a move designed to break down financial barriers to accessing education for countless ugandan families.
Addressing Implementation Challenges in Social Programs
While lauding the intention behind free education,President Museveni expressed notable concern about it’s inconsistent implementation. He cited instances of sabotage by certain leaders and school administrators who continue to levy illegal fees, effectively denying access to education for those it was designed to benefit. He urged citizens to prioritize electing leaders who will rigorously enforce government policies and ensure that free education becomes a reality for all ugandan children.This sentiment reflects a broader call for accountability within the education system, demanding that resources reach their intended beneficiaries.
Infrastructure and Accountability
Beyond education, President Museveni also highlighted concerns regarding the upkeep of murram roads.Despite consistent annual funding allocations, many roads remain poorly maintained. He called for increased openness and accountability in the management of these funds, demanding detailed reports explaining any discrepancies or shortages. This call for responsible resource management extended to other areas of public spending, signaling a strong emphasis on fiscal discipline.
Boosting Wealth Creation Through Existing Initiatives
A central theme of the President’s address was wealth creation. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, initiatives specifically designed to uplift households and alleviate poverty. He encouraged all Ugandans to actively participate in their parish Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs), emphasizing the vital role these groups play in facilitating access to financial resources and fostering economic empowerment at the grassroots level.The Parish Development Model aims to reach 100% of the population.
He issued a stern warning against any attempts to steal or sabotage PDM funds, underscoring the importance of civic duty and urging citizens to report any instances of corruption.
Healthcare, Employment, and the Fight Against Corruption
president Museveni also addressed challenges within the healthcare sector, acknowledging the persistent shortage of essential medicines in public hospitals. He attributed this issue to poor supervision and theft, stressing the need for greater accountability among healthcare administrators. He reiterated that ensuring access to quality healthcare for all Ugandans remains a top priority.
on the issue of job creation, the President highlighted the pivotal role of commercial agriculture, manufacturing, the service sector, and Information and Communications Technology (ICT). he cited the success story of Mr. Johnson Basangwa of Kamuli, a poultry farmer who has created over 300 jobs through his enterprise, as a testament to the wealth-creation potential of entrepreneurship, even with limited land resources.
President Museveni concluded with a forceful condemnation of corruption, urging the youth to actively reject this vice. He emphasized that corruption undermines service delivery, impedes development, and ultimately hinders progress towards a more prosperous Uganda.
Broadening Support: Religious and Student Endorsements
the event saw strong expressions of support from various groups. Muslim leaders, led by Sheikh Sulaiman Ssemakula, pledged their backing for President Museveni, thanking him for his commitment to inclusivity and respect for all faiths. The President, in turn, assured the Muslim community that his government would continue to ensure equal access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for all Ugandans, irrespective of their religious beliefs.
Over 8,000 students representing institutions across the country, under the banner of Sauti ya Vijana, also reaffirmed their support for the NRM. Sauti ya Vijana, which engages over 3.1 million eligible student voters, is actively involved in sensitizing students about NRM policies and utilizing platforms like WhatsApp to maintain engagement throughout the year.
Looking Ahead: A Focus on Progress and Consolidation
President Museveni reaffirmed that Uganda has made considerable strides over the past four decades, with approximately 70% of Ugandan households now participating in the money economy. His administration’s primary focus remains on integrating the remaining households into the formal economy through continued implementation of existing programs. He stressed that free education and the relentless fight against corruption remain non-negotiable priorities. The gatherings at Kololo Ceremonial grounds demonstrated a unified commitment to these goals, signaling a resolute push towards continued progress and a more prosperous future for Uganda.
