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President Yoweri Museveni has given a stern warning to leaders whom he accuses of misleading Ugandans, stating that they must put their actions in order or he will intervene himself.

The President criticised such leaders for distracting Ugandans from key issues like wealth creation. “I’m truly fed up with those who divert our people’s attention. The misleaders of our people should either check themselves or I will do it for them,” he said.

President Museveni made these remarks on Saturday, 2nd November 2024, during the Thanksgiving ceremony of Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, who was appointed Canon in the Church of Uganda.

The event was held at her home in Ndejje, Luwero District. Hon. Nankabirwa is the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development.

According to the President, many leaders have failed to assist their constituents in fighting poverty because they do not promote the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) wealth creation initiatives.

“When people request roads and electricity, they must understand that those are forms of development, but they may still face poverty at home. Wealth generation starts directly at the household level,” Museveni stated.

He referenced places like Ngoma and Kapeeka, where despite the absence of good roads, families have prospered through commercial agriculture after heeding the NRM’s message.

The President further illustrated his point with an example: “If I rear pigs in Nakusibyaki or Kalasa and load them onto a pickup, they don’t care whether the road is tarmacked or not. Wealth comes from productivity.”

The President urged prioritising household income over infrastructure as a means to eradicate poverty. He also criticised leaders who block government programmes designed to promote development, attributing the standoff between the executive and Parliament to poor governance.

“Sometimes Parliament blocks crucial initiatives, and though I often choose to remain patient, the results eventually speak for themselves,” he explained, referencing the delayed Bujagali Dam project that led to severe electricity shortages.

Museveni argued that such disruptions have caused setbacks but emphasised that, through persistence, the country has now secured infrastructure like roads and an electricity surplus. He also defended his decision to streamline government agencies, aiming to cut costs and redirect funds to development projects.

“We had 3,905 people in certain agencies draining Shs2.2 trillion. Rationalisation will save money for meaningful development,” he stated.

The President further criticised the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), arguing that paying officials higher salaries has not curbed corruption.

“The idea that high pay reduces corruption is flawed. Despite increased salaries, corruption persists, and we are fighting this battle as well,” he remarked.

On a different note, President Museveni congratulated Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa on her new role as Canon. The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, had announced her appointment as Canon responsible for Public Relations.

“I am proud to be here to celebrate Ruth’s achievement,” Museveni said, gifting her five Friesian cows in recognition of her faith and loyalty to the NRM.

He lauded Nankabirwa for promoting unity and rejecting divisive politics. “She has always championed politics of interests over ethnicity and religion, contributing to national and regional unity,” Museveni noted. He also praised her agricultural ventures, which yield substantial profits, exemplifying the benefits of the NRM’s wealth creation strategies.

Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, expressed gratitude to Nankabirwa for her mentorship. “When I was appointed Government Chief Whip, she guided me and mentored me for a week. She exemplifies the spirit of NRM loyalty,” Tayebwa remarked.

Nankabirwa, alongside her husband Fred Ssegujja, expressed her readiness to serve the church and government in her new capacity. She confirmed her decision to step away from elective politics, dedicating herself to service. “I am grateful for the responsibilities entrusted to me over the years and proud to have served faithfully,” she said.

Archbishop Dr. Kaziimba Mugalu praised President Museveni for his support of the Church and commended Nankabirwa for representing the Church in government effectively.

The event was attended by a cross-section of dignitaries, including former Vice Presidents Edward Ssekandi and Dr. Specioza Kazibwe, former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi, and several religious and political leaders.