President Yoweri Museveni used Uganda’s 62nd Independence Day celebrations to deliver a powerful message against corruption, warning that those involved in graft are “in their last evening.” Speaking at the national celebrations held at Busikho Primary Teachers College in Busia District, Museveni pledged that his intelligence systems would be used to track down and punish corrupt officials, with stolen funds being recovered.
In his address, Museveni was responding to concerns raised by the Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babalanda, over a recent report by the Inspector General of Government (IGG), which revealed that civil servants are among the most corrupt. Museveni expressed his shock at the report, noting that some civil servants who receive salaries “triple” his own are still stealing from public coffers.
“I was shocked to hear that my civil servants, some of them earning salaries that triple mine, are the ones still stealing from the coffers. This is not acceptable, and we are going to crush them,” the President said, signaling an aggressive approach toward eradicating corruption.
Museveni also highlighted the achievements of his government since taking power in 1986. He reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining the progress made in key sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development. “Since we took over power, we have registered drastic achievements through various interventions. The economy has grown almost tenfold, and GDP per capita has quadrupled. Ugandans today live healthier and longer lives, and they are better educated,” he stated.
He went on to emphasize that children no longer die of preventable diseases and that Uganda now offers free universal education. Museveni also noted that Uganda, once plagued by power shortages, now exports surplus electricity to neighboring countries. He also praised improvements in the nation’s infrastructure.
The President announced plans to revive the meter gauge railway and to construct a standard gauge railway, both of which will reduce transportation costs for Ugandan traders. He urged residents of Eastern Uganda to take advantage of the economic opportunities that will come with the development of railway transport.
Museveni challenged leaders to stop focusing on complaints and instead direct their efforts towards mobilizing Ugandans to join the “money economy.” He expressed optimism that, with the recent census showing that 57% of the population has already transitioned to income-generating activities, the rest will follow, especially once Uganda begins harnessing its oil resources.
In his remarks, Museveni thanked his Central African Republic (CAR) counterpart, President Faustin Archange Touadera, for attending Uganda’s Independence Day celebrations. Museveni described the occasion as a starting point for strengthening partnerships in regional trade.
With Uganda now producing large quantities of coffee, tobacco, and milk, Museveni acknowledged that the country is facing challenges related to limited market access. He stated that discussions with neighboring countries, including South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), are underway to open up more roads and improve trade routes to the Central African Republic.
President Touadera praised Museveni for his role in promoting peace and unity in the region, calling him a “big asset to the continent.” “Your Excellency, we see you as a major figure in Africa, especially in promoting peace and unity. We can only become stronger by working together and forming stronger networks,” Touadera said.
The celebrations were also attended by key Ugandan officials, including Vice President Jessica Alupo, First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga, and Third Deputy Prime Minister Rukia Nakadama. Leaders from cultural and religious communities were also present, as were other prominent government ministers, such as Minister of Defense Jacob Oboth and Minister of Health Dr. Jane Aceng.
In her speech, Milly Babalanda expressed concern over the continued prevalence of poverty in Uganda, despite numerous government interventions. She called on leaders to intensify efforts to mobilize people into economic activities. Babalanda also raised alarms over the findings of the IGG’s report on corruption, warning that if the issue is not addressed, it could become a “time bomb” for the country.
The day’s events were held under the theme “Recommitment to Secure and Fortify Our Destiny,” as Uganda continues its journey towards economic transformation, with corruption and poverty still posing significant challenges.
