Museveni warns leaders against poor performance during state of the nation address

5 June 2026, 11:05 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

In fulfilment of Article 101(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, which requires the President to address Parliament at the beginning of every session through the State of the Nation Address, President Yoweri Museveni today addressed Parliament and the nation at large at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. However, several opposition Members of Parliament boycotted the sitting.

“First of all, I thank and congratulate all Ugandans for participating in the series of elections since January 15, 2026, and for overwhelmingly supporting the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Above all, I thank God for the peace in the country despite the efforts of some individuals who have been plotting to disrupt it,” he said.

The President stated that Uganda has registered significant progress in various sectors, particularly agriculture, and noted that the country no longer imports some of the products it relied on in the 1960s and 1980s.

“By 1964, Uganda’s annual milk production stood at 200 million litres. It has now increased to 5.4 billion litres, saving the country substantial import costs and generating export earnings of USD 285.4 million,” he explained.

Museveni further said that Ugandans are highly capable and only require support to realise their full potential, adding that government remains committed to providing such support.

The President also warned leaders against poor performance, saying leadership should be viewed as a responsibility to serve the people rather than an avenue for personal gain.

“Leadership is not for ego but for the people and the country. Either you lead or you stay at home. When I hear leaders talking about allowances to reach their people and mobilise them against poverty, I get nauseous. Ugandans in the diaspora were shocked when they heard that Basangwa was earning UGX 20 million. They thought I was lying, so they came and met him themselves,” Museveni said.

He added that government intends to table 38 Bills before Parliament for consideration during the current session.

The President further observed that one of the lessons he has learnt during his 65 years in active politics is that many Africans underestimate themselves and are held back by ignorance.

Meanwhile, the Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Milly Babalanda, while addressing the media at Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, announced that this year’s Heroes Day celebrations will be attended by only a limited number of invited guests due to Ebola prevention measures.

“Uganda will commemorate Heroes Day, but in observance of Ebola Standard Operating Procedures, the celebrations will be held at State House Entebbe and only 25 invited guests will attend physically. The rest of the public will follow the proceedings through radio, television and online platforms. The theme is ‘Protecting the Gains as We Make a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status’,” she said.