President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has emphasized the importance of peace and strategic economic thinking as key pillars for Uganda’s continued development. Speaking to journalists at Mbale State Lodge. This followed his conclusion of the campaign trail in the Sebei subregion. The President engaged the media in a wide-ranging interaction on the country’s progress and his vision for the future.
Museveni began by pointing out the value of peace, noting that no development effort can succeed without stability.
“Peace is very important for the country’s development and wealth creation,” he said. “Look at Kapchorwa, which is growing so much Irish potatoes. Without peace, those potatoes wouldn’t reach the market.”
Additionally, the President revealed that the army has so far recovered over 41,000 guns from Karamoja, a number he said exceeds what former President Idi Amin’s army possessed.
“This shows the magnitude of work we have done to restore peace and stability,” he added.
Addressing questions on why he remains the best candidate to lead Uganda, Museveni said his leadership has always been guided by a clear understanding of the nation’s challenges.
“We have done a clear diagnosis of the problem of Uganda—and Africa—and we have got a clear prescription,” he stated.
The President also challenged intellectuals and politicians to shift their focus toward issues that matter for national transformation.
“Even professors can’t help, apart from doing research at Makerere. What are you researching? You don’t talk about the market,” he said, adding that even large economies like China still seek markets abroad.
In a moment that drew laughter from the audience, Museveni reflected on global technological advancement, saying: “Americans, Russians, Chinese and Indians have all gone to the moon, but we are here in Mbale. Americans are looking at us like ants—yet we are looking at them—because they have a four-dimensional superiority.”
The President further cautioned leaders against empty rhetoric, saying: “You have ministers calling themselves ‘big men,’ telling people they work hard that mwesibe bili. Why don’t you tell us where the jobs come from?”
Museveni concluded by reaffirming his confidence in Uganda’s economic progress, noting that 67 percent of Ugandans are now part of the money economy. “When I see these presidential candidates moving around, I will take the time to dismantle their arguments,” he said.
