Summary:
- According to President Museveni, some leaders are diverting Ugandans from crucial issues like wealth creation.
LUWERO: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has issued a stern warning to leaders he accuses of misleading Ugandans, urging them to “check themselves” or face intervention.
According to President Museveni, some leaders are diverting Ugandans from crucial issues like wealth creation.
“I’m really not happy with those who divert our people’s attention. I’m tired of the misleaders of our people, and they should check themselves, or I will check them,” he declared.
President Museveni made these remarks on Saturday, November 2, 2024, while attending a thanksgiving ceremony for Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, who was recently appointed as a Canon in the Church of Uganda. Hon. Nankabirwa serves as the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development. The event took place at her residence in Ndejje, Luwero District.
The President criticized certain leaders for failing to guide Ugandans out of poverty by neglecting the National Resistance Movement (NRM)’s wealth creation agenda.
“When you go to areas, people ask for roads and electricity, but we’ve long told you that these are development tools. Wealth, however, is created directly in the home,” he explained, adding that regions like Ngoma and Kapeeka have wealthy families despite lacking major roads, due to their embrace of commercial agriculture.
Museveni also rebuked leaders who obstruct government programs aimed at national development. He cited past instances where his initiatives were blocked by Parliament, including his push to construct the Bujagali Dam.
“When Parliament blocked it, we soon experienced an electricity shortage, even during the election period. But thanks to the public’s trust in the NRM, we still won,” he recalled.
President Museveni justified his efforts to “rationalize” various government agencies, which he described as overly costly and inefficient.
He highlighted that, as of 2016, only 3,905 employees in such agencies were consuming nearly as much as the 18,000 ministry employees and an even larger army. Rationalization, he argued, would save funds for essential development programs.
He further criticized the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), arguing that despite high salaries meant to deter corruption, corruption remains rampant.
“The theory was that paying them well would make them work better, but the more they’re paid, the more corrupt they become,” he stated.
On a more celebratory note, President Museveni congratulated Hon. Nankabirwa on her appointment as a Canon, the Church of Uganda’s highest lay honor, awarded for her years of commitment to the faith.
He expressed pride in her dedication to the NRM cause, mentioning her efforts in commercial farming and her rejection of ethnic-based politics, which he credited with promoting national unity.
President Museveni presented Nankabirwa and her family with five Friesian cows as a gift. He also commended the LC1 Chairman of Ndejje, Mr. Mulindwa Charles Bemba, for his emphasis on the importance of homestead income, awarding him a new motorcycle.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, praised Nankabirwa as a loyal friend who mentored him during his early days as Government Chief Whip.
He also thanked President Museveni for his continued support of loyal NRM members.
Hon. Nankabirwa, accompanied by her husband Mr. Fred Ssegujja, thanked the President and reaffirmed her dedication to serving both God and country.
She reiterated her decision not to pursue elective politics in the future, choosing instead to devote her time to faith and national service.
Archbishop Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, head of the Church of Uganda, expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his support of the church’s initiatives.
He also commended Nankabirwa for her role in bridging the Church and the government, noting her exemplary service in this role.
