Addressing thousands at Kololo Independence Grounds alongside visiting African leaders and dignitaries, Museveni said Uganda had already laid the foundation for prosperity through peace, infrastructure, markets and government empowerment programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga and Operation Wealth Creation.
“This Kisanja should be regarded as a Kisanja of ‘no more sleep for all Ugandans,’” Museveni declared, insisting that citizens must now fully utilize government opportunities to create wealth and jobs.
The President said there were “no more excuses” for poverty, unemployment and economic stagnation, arguing that Uganda already has enough programs capable of transforming households.
Museveni also issued a stern warning against corruption and diversion of public funds, especially money meant for parish SACCOs and community empowerment schemes.
“If anybody is diverting the money, you… are empowered to deal with him or her because of the democratic Local Councils,” he said, urging citizens to directly participate in monitoring government programs.
The veteran leader spent much of his speech showcasing Uganda’s transformation since 1986, pointing to booming real estate developments in Kampala and along the Entebbe Expressway as evidence that the NRM government had delivered progress.
He argued that Uganda’s future now depends on citizens embracing commercial agriculture, manufacturing, ICT and services instead of “sleeping” while opportunities exist.
Museveni cited examples of farmers and industrial parks generating millions of shillings and creating jobs, saying Uganda could create over 100 million jobs if citizens embraced intensive commercial agriculture.
The President also took aim at African economies that continue exporting raw materials without processing them, calling it a “strategic blunder” that enriches foreign countries while denying Africans jobs and wealth.
He defended Uganda’s ban on exporting unprocessed minerals and renewed his push for value addition, industrialization and African economic integration.
Museveni further warned against environmental destruction, ordering an end to rice and potato growing in wetlands while advocating fish farming and forest restoration to protect water sources and rainfall patterns.
The ceremony attracted several heads of state and foreign delegations as Museveni officially began another term in office amid celebrations by NRM supporters and Bazzukulu groups from across the country.
