President Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Museveni spoke to the people of Uganda, especially the younger generation, about the progress the country has made and the challenges that lie ahead in his State of the Nation address today. He reminded them of the three historical missions and four principles of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), which have guided Uganda’s journey so far.
Museveni emphasized that his speech was in fulfillment of the Constitutional requirement under Article 101 (1) of the Ugandan Constitution. He aimed to review the progress made, identify remaining tasks, and highlight the main obstacles on Uganda’s path to transformation.
Museveni recounted the origins of the NRM, initially a student movement drawing elements from older political parties with sectarian platforms. He explained that after careful analysis, they identified three historical missions crucial for Africa’s survival and prosperity: achieving prosperity for the African people, ensuring strategic security, and leveraging the brotherhood among African nations.
To achieve prosperity, Museveni argued that it cannot come from foreign aid but from each individual engaging in productive work. This led to the first NRM principle: patriotism. He explained that prosperity requires a market for goods and services, which necessitates unity and trade among Ugandans.
The second principle, Pan-Africanism, emerged from the need to expand the market beyond Uganda to East Africa and the entire continent. Museveni highlighted Uganda’s success in reviving the East African Community (EAC) and consolidating COMESA, facilitating trade with neighboring countries. He underscored the importance of removing non-tariff barriers to further enhance trade within the region.
The third principle of the NRM ideology is socio-economic transformation through education for all and wealth creation. Museveni stressed the importance of moving from a subsistence economy to a money economy, urging Ugandans to engage in commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT.
The fourth principle is democracy, which Museveni defined as real democracy that empowers people to grow, not the manipulation seen in neo-colonial contexts. He credited the NRM’s correct philosophy and strategies for Uganda’s economic growth from USD 1.5 billion in 1986 to USD 55 billion today, achieving lower-middle-income status with a per capita income of USD 1,182.
Museveni acknowledged ongoing trade barriers within the EAC as obstacles to prosperity. He urged all East Africans to work towards removing these barriers and fully implementing common market protocols. He highlighted the need for a united African market to negotiate better trade deals globally.
Internally, Museveni emphasized the importance of education and wealth creation, supported by government funds like PDM, Emyooga, and UDB loans. He stressed the need for adults to engage in wealth creation across four sectors: commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT.
Addressing strategic security, Museveni argued that while economic prosperity is crucial, countries must also ensure strategic security to avoid vulnerability. He mentioned Uganda’s efforts to develop limited space programs and the need for political integration within Africa for better strategic security and economic integration.
Museveni then outlined five key tasks for Ugandans:
- Engage in wealth creation in the four sectors.
- Struggle for completely free trade within the EAC and Africa.
- Ensure free education for all Ugandan children.
- Work towards the creation of an East African Federation.
- Eliminate corruption in the public service and political leadership.
He stressed the importance of fighting corruption and saving inexperienced political actors from falling into debt traps. Museveni directed the Minister of Finance to cap interest rates and criminalize extortionate practices by money lenders.
Museveni concluded by acknowledging Uganda’s progress and the need to address internal weaknesses. He praised the NRM’s philosophy, ideology, and strategies for driving economic growth despite challenges. He thanked the Parliament for passing important laws and expressed hope for a fruitful upcoming session.
Museveni also commended the Judiciary for their role in the budgeting process and praised the security forces for their efforts in maintaining peace during the recent pilgrimage at Namugongo. He expressed his gratitude to all Ugandans for their hard work and dedication.
In closing, Museveni declared the fourth session of the 11th Parliament open, wishing Uganda and Africa continued blessings and success.
