Politics 4 June 2026 State House (Uganda)
Museveni Demands Action: Leaders Warned Against Non-Performance, Urged to Boost Money Economy
In his 2026 State of the Nation Address, President Museveni issued a stern warning to leaders against non-performance and corruption, emphasizing the critical need for Uganda's full transformation into a money-based economy through structured production and wealth creation. Source: https://statehouse.go.ug/state-of-the-nation-address-2026-president-museveni-warns-leaders-against-non-performance-calls-for-full-transformation-into-money-economy
President Yoweri Museveni, during his 2026 State of the Nation Address delivered at Kololo Independence Grounds, has directed a strong call to action for both leaders and citizens. He stressed the urgency of accelerating Uganda’s economic transformation, explicitly condemning non-performance, corruption, and any diversion from productive work.
The President highlighted that Uganda’s progress hinges on leadership discipline and the active participation of all citizens in the money economy. He thanked Ugandans for their involvement in the electoral process and support for the ruling NRM, before focusing on the nation’s core challenge: eradicating economic and leadership inefficiencies.
“No more politeness for non-performers who want leadership positions for ego and personal intentions,” President Museveni declared, clarifying his earlier “no more sleep” message. He reiterated that Uganda’s development trajectory has always been about moving people from subsistence living to structured economic engagement, with the primary hurdle being the transition to a money economy.
Drawing parallels to historical development ideas from the 1960s, the President referenced the National Resistance Movement’s 10-point program, specifically the goal of building a “self-sustaining national economy.” He shared personal experiences and early mobilization efforts in the cattle corridor, illustrating how nomadic pastoralists were guided toward settled commercial farming, significantly boosting rural incomes. Milk production, for example, has surged from 200 million litres in 1986 to 5.4 billion litres today, showcasing successful integration into the money economy.
President Museveni assured that current government programs like the Parish Development Model and Emyooga are designed to extend this transformation to all households. He also underscored the vital role of infrastructure, noting the expansion of electricity generation to over 2,000 megawatts, which is crucial for industrial growth. Despite significant GDP growth and poverty reduction, he called for broader markets through regional and continental integration to sustain prosperity.
To those failing in their duties, the President issued a clear ultimatum: “Either you lead or you stay in your home.” He expressed strong disapproval of leaders prioritizing allowances over mobilizing communities against poverty, concluding with an insistence on discipline, productivity, and accountability at all leadership levels to ensure government programs deliver tangible results and foster long-term economic transformation.