President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has issued a stern warning to Ugandan leaders he accuses of distracting the public from key issues like wealth creation, urging them to realign their focus. Museveni cautioned that leaders who mislead citizens should “check themselves or I will help them to do so.”
The President made these remarks on Saturday while attending a thanksgiving ceremony for Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, who was recently appointed a Canon in the Church of Uganda. The event took place at Nankabirwa’s home in Ndejje, Luwero District.
Museveni criticized leaders who, in his view, fail to address poverty by not embracing the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) wealth creation agenda. He emphasized that infrastructure like roads and electricity is essential but secondary to household wealth, citing examples from Ngoma and Kapeeka, where families thrive through commercial agriculture despite limited infrastructure.
“They have cows, they sell milk, and they have a lot of money,” Museveni said, adding that wealth should begin at the homestead level.
He also condemned leaders who obstruct government development programs, recalling instances when parliamentary opposition to projects like the Bujagali Dam led to nationwide electricity shortages.
“By 2005, we had a shortage of electricity…but because people love NRM, we won [the elections] all the same,” he said. Museveni called for unity between Parliament and the executive to avoid such standoffs, which he said hinder progress.
Museveni also defended his recent government rationalization efforts, highlighting the financial inefficiencies in several government agencies, which he described as “parasitic.” He emphasized that reducing wasteful expenditures could redirect funds toward development projects.
Turning his attention to the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Museveni criticized the agency’s performance, attributing its inefficiency to high salaries that, he claimed, only fuel corruption.
At the ceremony, President Museveni congratulated Hon. Nankabirwa on her new role as a Canon, gifting her five Friesian cows as a token of appreciation for her commitment to the NRM. He praised Nankabirwa for fostering unity and wealth creation in her community, citing her mango and forestry projects as examples of economic success.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa commended Nankabirwa for her mentorship and unwavering loyalty to the NRM. He added that her example underscores the President’s message that loyal cadres have a place in the NRM.
Hon. Nankabirwa expressed gratitude to President Museveni and reaffirmed her commitment to serving both God and the government. She stated that she would no longer pursue elective politics, choosing instead to focus on community and national service.
Archbishop Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu of the Church of Uganda also expressed gratitude to President Museveni for supporting the church and to Nankabirwa for her role in strengthening church-state relations.
The event attracted prominent political and religious figures, including former Vice Presidents Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi and Dr. Specioza Wandira Kazibwe, as well as former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. John Patrick Amama Mbabazi.
