President Museveni has urged the National Resistance Movement (NRM) delegates to lead efforts in combating corruption at the local government level and ensuring effective delivery of government services.
Speaking at the NRM Special Interest Groups (SIGs) meeting at Kololo today, Museveni, as always, outlined Uganda’s economic progress, noting that the economy has grown from $3.9 billion in 1986 to $66 billion today, with a goal of reaching a $500 billion high middle-income economy in the next 10 years.
He highlighted five phases of economic development: minimum recovery, production expansion, diversification, value addition, and the current knowledge economy. Innovations like Kira electric buses, vaccine production, and computer manufacturing were cited as evidence of progress.
Museveni stressed the importance of integrating all Ugandans into the money economy. “In 2013, 68% of homesteads were outside the money economy. Today, 67% are engaged, but 33% remain excluded. Every family must produce for both food and income,” he said.
On governance, he called for eradicating corruption, particularly in local government recruitment, and urged citizens to hold leaders accountable for service delivery.
“Don’t tolerate corrupt individuals who steal public funds or demand bribes,” he said..
Museveni also tasked delegates with ensuring proper road maintenance, effective police performance in crime prevention, and free education in government schools. He expressed concern over illegal school fees that burden poor families despite government funding.
In healthcare, he condemned the theft of medicines from hospitals and called on communities to expose culprits. He said access to safe water, education, and healthcare is critical for improving welfare.
Museveni urged Ugandans to fight poverty, corruption, and crime while embracing education, healthcare, and clean water as pathways to prosperity.
NRM secretary general Richard Todwong encouraged delegates to prioritize the party’s mission over personal interests.
“We are a family. Avoid internal conflicts and focus on the party’s goals,” he said.
Thousands of NRM delegates have converged in Kololo to participate in various party activities including SIG elections set for today and the delegates conference for later this week.
