President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, also the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), has underscored the importance of “disciplined democracy” in Uganda, calling for respectful political engagement and national unity.
Chairing a UPDF Defence Forces Council meeting at State House Entebbe on May 8, 2025, President Museveni criticized politicians who rely on intimidation and offensive rhetoric, urging instead for civil public discourse that allows Ugandans to freely make democratic choices.
He emphasized the government’s long-standing commitment to improving soldiers’ welfare, citing initiatives such as army schools, housing projects, and SACCOs.
He called for sustained investment in these areas to ensure continued progress.
On wealth creation, Museveni encouraged families of soldiers to adopt the Four-Acre Model of farming, incorporating a mix of coffee, fruits, pasture, food crops, poultry, piggery, and fish farming.
He also promoted high-value crops like palm oil, cocoa, and avocados as avenues for economic growth.
The President reaffirmed the NRM’s core principles of patriotism, Pan-Africanism, and economic integration, stressing their role in achieving sustainable prosperity.
He pointed to regional surpluses in milk, sugar, and maize as justification for stronger regional markets, warning against sectarianism, which he said hampers economic opportunity.
Museveni also spoke against generational poverty, urging socio-economic transformation as a natural and necessary evolution for society.
On matters of security, he noted that while global powers pursue space dominance, Uganda must strengthen itself through regional cooperation and integration.
Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, echoed the President’s sentiments, assuring the country of the UPDF’s readiness to defend Uganda and its neighbors.
He cautioned internal and external enemies, especially with upcoming elections, that the army remains alert.
Gen. Muhoozi reported significant progress in Karamoja, ongoing successes in Operation Shujaa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and strong responses to urban crime and political instability, particularly in Kampala.
He reiterated the importance of continued improvements in soldier welfare, thanked President Museveni for his leadership, and pledged the UPDF’s unwavering commitment to peace, regional stability, and national development.
