Uganda's President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on political, religious and cultural leaders to support household wealth creation as Uganda marks its 64th Independence Anniversary.

In his Independence Day message, Museveni highlighted Uganda’s economic journey since 1986, saying the country had moved from recovery following years of conflict and economic decline to expansion, diversification and knowledge-based production.

He cited developments in sectors such as electric vehicle manufacturing and pharmaceuticals as examples of Uganda’s evolving production capacity.

However, the President said the country still faces key challenges that require sustained investment and coordinated action.

He pointed to road congestion and heavy cargo transport, calling for the expansion of alternative transport systems, including railways, pipelines and lake transport.

Museveni also emphasised the need to tackle household poverty by bringing more families into the money economy through programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM).

Other priorities outlined in his message included adding value to agricultural products and minerals, expanding irrigation to address drought, and strengthening domestic fuel distribution systems while promoting exports to cushion the country against fuel price shocks.

“I urge our political, religious and cultural leaders to join the effort to ensure that every household creates wealth and improves its livelihood,” Museveni said.

Acknowledging the progress made, the President urged Ugandans to intensify their efforts towards economic transformation, noting that more work remains to be done to secure the country’s development.

“Yes, we have made progress, but we must work harder to secure Uganda’s economic transformation,” he said.

President Museveni was awarded the Order of the Commander-in-Chief (Uganda Prisons Service Medal) during Uganda’s 64th Independence Anniversary celebrations on October 9, 2026.

The award recognises his leadership in promoting productive capacity, self-reliance and improved welfare within the Uganda Prisons Service, while advancing national development through local production and import substitution.