President Yoweri Museveni has called upon National Resistance Movement (NRM) delegates to take a forefront role in combating corruption at the local government level and ensuring that essential government services effectively reach the populace. The President delivered this directive while addressing delegates and his team at Kololo Independence Grounds on Monday.
In his comprehensive address, President Museveni provided an overview of Uganda’s remarkable economic progression, highlighting its expansion from $3.9 billion in 1986 to an impressive $66 billion today. He further articulated the nation’s ambitious goal of achieving high middle-income status, aiming for an economy worth $500 billion.
The President detailed Uganda’s economic journey through five distinct phases: minimum recovery, expansion of production, diversification, value addition, and the current emphasis on the knowledge economy. He cited recent innovations, such as the locally manufactured Kira electric buses, internal vaccine production, and computer manufacturing, as tangible evidence of the country’s progress and potential in the knowledge sector.
Museveni underscored the critical need for all Ugandans to fully integrate into the money economy. “In 2013, 68% of homesteads were outside the money economy. Today, 67% are in, but 33% remain out. Every family must produce for both food and cash,” he stated, urging a concerted effort to bring the remaining households into the economic mainstream.
Shifting his focus to governance, President Museveni directly tasked the NRM delegates with the responsibility of eradicating corruption, particularly at the grassroots level. He issued a stern warning against bribery in local government recruitment processes and implored citizens to actively hold their leaders accountable for service delivery. “Don’t allow corrupt people to undermine your progress. Stop those who steal public funds or take bribes,” he asserted.
The President also urged leaders and citizens to ensure the proper maintenance of roads, monitor the performance of the police in fighting crime, and safeguard the integrity of free education in government schools. He expressed deep concern that despite significant government funding, some schools continue to levy illegal fees, thereby frustrating and disadvantaging poor families.
On the critical issue of healthcare, Museveni decried the rampant theft of medicines from public hospitals and called upon communities to actively expose and apprehend wrongdoers. He reiterated the foundational importance of safe water access, quality education, and accessible healthcare as pillars for improving general welfare and prosperity.
President Museveni concluded his address by encouraging Ugandans to collectively fight poverty, corruption, and crime, while simultaneously embracing education, healthcare, and clean water as indispensable pathways to national prosperity.
Adding to the President’s call, NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong reminded delegates of the paramount importance of prioritizing the party above personal interests. He urged members to foster unity, emphasizing that internal competition should never escalate into enmity. “We are members of a family. Focus on the bigger picture of the party—the mission, objectives, and goals—rather than personal ambitions,” Todwong advised.
