President Yoweri Museveni has issued one of his toughest warnings yet to ministers and NRM leaders, declaring that his new term will have “no room for sleep” and threatening to sack government officials who fail to deliver results for Ugandans.
Speaking after Parliament elected Rt. Hon. Jacob Oboth-Oboth as Speaker and Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa as Deputy Speaker, Museveni congratulated the winners and praised MPs for conducting a peaceful and transparent vote.
But the President quickly shifted from congratulations to a blunt warning shot.
“I have been patient before,” Museveni said, “but this term there will be no room for leaders who seek titles without helping the people they lead.”
In a message loaded with political fire, Museveni ordered NRM leaders to leave Kampala and return to the villages and parishes to ensure government wealth-creation programmes are actually changing lives and pulling families out of poverty.
He said he is tired of hearing complaints about poverty while government interventions are already in place.
The President warned that ministers, political leaders and government officials who fail to make those programmes work will be held personally accountable, raising the possibility of sackings for non-performers.
“This is Kisanja No Sleep,” Museveni declared. “Enough is enough.”
Museveni also noted that NRM’s candidates secured more votes than the party’s numerical strength in Parliament, suggesting support from beyond the ruling side, but pointed out that some votes were lost to Norbert Mao, a matter he said would be addressed as the ruling party pushes for a more united Parliament.
His remarks now set the tone for the new parliamentary term, with pressure mounting on those who will appear on the cabinet list that many minders say will be announced anytime from now.
