Summary:
- According to the President Museveni, the primary culprits are the Permanent Secretaries, Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), Town Clerks, and Gombolola Chiefs.
KAMPALA: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has identified key figures responsible for corruption in Uganda.
According to the President Museveni, the primary culprits are the Permanent Secretaries, Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), Town Clerks, and Gombolola Chiefs.
“These are the four individuals in charge of government money, personnel, jobs, and procurement. Their actions have led to significant corruption, but with your support, that of the freedom fighters, and the victims, we are going to tackle this issue head-on,” he stated.
President Museveni made these remarks on Friday at Kololo Independence Grounds, where thousands gathered to celebrate his achievements and legacy. He expressed his concern over reports that District Service Commissions demand bribes from ordinary Ugandans in exchange for jobs.
“I am personally going to investigate the case in Kagadi. Such actions cannot be tolerated. Victims should report these incidents so we can address them,” he added.
President Museveni also warned against interference from Western powers aiming to destabilize Uganda, asserting his commitment to maintaining peace and stability.
“We cannot allow self-seekers to disrupt our achievements and peace,” he warned.
During the event, President Museveni thanked the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretariat for organizing the function.
“I want to thank Hon. Rosemary Seninde and the NRM Secretariat. This celebration is not just about Yoweri Museveni but about the contributions of the National Resistance Movement. I have been part of various movements and organizations, and this celebration acknowledges all those efforts,” he said.
He credited the NRM government’s success to its right ideology and focus on the masses rather than elitism.
“The NRM has always prioritized the needs of the ordinary people alongside the elite. Our focus on the masses has guided our policies and strategies,” he explained.
Highlighting the NRM’s achievements since coming to power in 1986, President Museveni emphasized improvements in security, healthcare, and education.
“Under our security initiatives, we have ensured safety for all. We have expanded immunization programs and health infrastructure, leading to the eradication of certain diseases. We have also worked towards providing free education for all Ugandans, aiming to remove charges in government schools to ensure that all children receive free education,” he stated.
He urged Ugandans to get involved in wealth creation through commercial agriculture, industry, services, or ICT sectors, and stressed the importance of consolidating the East African common market for regional stability.
The President condemned illegal land evictions, promising government intervention to protect vulnerable tenants.
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, praised God for President Museveni’s leadership over the past 38 years.
“God has chosen President Museveni to lead and build Uganda, and we are grateful for His guidance,” she said.
She acknowledged the President’s resilience and the government’s efforts to strengthen education through Universal Primary and Secondary Education.
“Although we haven’t achieved all our objectives, we believe we will succeed in eradicating ignorance,” Maama Janet noted.
On behalf of the District Executive Committee of Ntungamo, Maama Janet presented President Museveni with two Ankole bulls, a traditional stool, and a spear.
Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja thanked Ugandans for their support of President Museveni, as evidenced by the large turnout at Kololo.
NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong praised President Museveni for his wise leadership, which has transformed Uganda socially and economically.
“Your stewardship has brought peace and stability, enabling families to settle and the economy to grow. We thank you,” he said.
Hon. Rosemary Nansubuga Seninde, NRM Director for Mobilization, acknowledged President Museveni’s sacrifices and achievements, noting that the event aimed to inform people about Uganda’s past to better appreciate the present and plan for the future.