Kampala, Uganda – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni called for renewed commitment to accountability, productivity, and wealth creation as Uganda advances its economic transformation agenda, emphasising that effective leadership and citizen participation in the money economy remain critical to the country’s long-term development. President Museveni underscored the importance of disciplined leadership and efficient implementation of government programs, warning against corruption, complacency, and poor performance in public service.
Clarifying his earlier call of “Kisajja, No More Sleep,” the President explained that the message symbolises a renewed national focus on hard work, accountability, and results-oriented leadership. A central theme of the address was Uganda’s continued transition from subsistence livelihoods to a productive money economy. The President noted that economic transformation has long been at the heart of the country’s development vision, tracing the concept to the principles that later informed the National Resistance Movement’s Ten-Point Program, particularly the objective of building an independent and self-sustaining economy.
Drawing on experiences from Uganda’s cattle corridor, President Museveni highlighted the transformation of pastoral communities into commercial producers through modern farming practices and dairy production. He cited the growth of national milk production from approximately 200 million litres in 1986 to 5.4 billion litres today as evidence of successful economic integration and rural wealth creation. The President further emphasised that government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS), and Operation Wealth Creation are intended to support households in joining the money economy and improving livelihoods. He stressed that the success of these programs depends on effective implementation, accountability, and active citizen participation.
On infrastructure and industrial development, President Museveni noted significant progress in electricity generation, road construction, and transport networks, describing them as critical enablers of production, industrialization, and market access. He reported that Uganda’s electricity generation capacity has expanded from approximately 60 megawatts in 1986 to more than 2,000 megawatts today. Addressing economic performance, the President highlighted gains in GDP growth, poverty reduction, export expansion, and life expectancy, noting that Uganda has attained lower middle-income status. He also reiterated the importance of regional and continental integration to expand market opportunities and sustain long-term economic growth.
The President called upon leaders at all levels to prioritise service delivery and household transformation, stressing that leadership must be measured by tangible impact rather than personal benefit. The Speaker of Parliament Hon. Jacob Oboth-Oboth reminded legislators of the constitutional significance of the State of the Nation Address and called upon Members of Parliament to remain focused on service delivery, national unity, and legislative priorities aligned with Uganda’s target of achieving tenfold economic growth to a $500 billion economy.
Photo Credit: PPU
