KAMPALA — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has issued a stern warning to non-performing leaders and renewed his call for all Ugandans to actively participate in the country’s transformation into a money economy.
Delivering the 2026 State of the Nation Address at Kololo Independence Grounds on Thursday, the President said Uganda’s future prosperity depends on disciplined leadership, productive citizens and the effective implementation of government wealth-creation programmes.
Addressing Members of Parliament, government officials and the nation, President Museveni thanked Ugandans for participating in the electoral process and supporting the National Resistance Movement (NRM), before turning his attention to what he described as persistent challenges of corruption, poor leadership and economic inefficiency.
“Above all, I thank God for all these victories and for the peace in the Country in spite of so many evil people that have been plotting to disturb the peace,” he said.
The President emphasised that Uganda cannot achieve its development goals if leaders fail to guide communities towards productive economic activities.
Referring to remarks he made during his inauguration, President Museveni clarified his message about the need for greater urgency in national development.
“During the presidential inauguration, I put forward a call for ‘no more sleep.’ Some people are already distorting it as just ‘no sleep.’ To clarify the message: it means no more sleep, no more corruption, no more diversions, no more politeness for non-performers who want leadership positions for ego and personal intentions,” he said.
From Subsistence to Commercial Production
A significant portion of the President’s address focused on Uganda’s long-term economic transformation strategy, which he said has always centred on moving households from subsistence livelihoods into commercial production.
President Museveni traced the philosophy back to debates in the 1960s and the National Resistance Movement’s 10-Point Programme, particularly the objective of building “an independent, integrated, self-sustaining national economy.”
He recalled his early experiences travelling through the cattle corridor as a student, observing communities largely engaged in subsistence production.
According to the President, those encounters shaped his conviction that Uganda’s development depended on shifting people from okukolera ekidda kyokka — working only for consumption — to participating in the money economy.
The President pointed to the transformation of pastoral communities in areas such as Nyabushozi as evidence that the strategy works. “Between 1966 and 1986, in spite of the wars, we sensitised people about abandoning nomadism for sedentary agriculture,” he said.
He noted that many cattle keepers embraced commercial dairy farming, contributing to a dramatic rise in national milk production.
“That was all. They converted their indigenous Ankole cattle into half-breeds with the Friesians (ebiihwa) and they took off,” President Museveni said.
According to the President, Uganda’s annual milk production has increased from about 200 million litres in 1986 to approximately 5.4 billion litres today.
Wealth Creation Programmes Key to Transformation
President Museveni said government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, Operation Wealth Creation and the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) were established to help households transition into commercial production and generate sustainable incomes.
He stressed, however, that the success of these programmes depends on accountability, proper implementation and committed leadership at all levels.
The President also highlighted investments in infrastructure, including roads, electricity and transport networks, as critical enablers of industrialisation and market access.
He noted that electricity generation has increased from approximately 60 megawatts in 1986 to more than 2,000 megawatts today, supporting industrial growth and value addition.
Tough Message for Leaders
President Museveni reserved some of his strongest remarks for leaders he accused of failing to fulfil their responsibilities.
“Either you lead, or you stay in your home. I hear of leaders talking about allowances, to reach their people and mobilise them against poverty, I get nauseous. Out of politeness, I’ve been keeping quiet but now I’m telling you. All non-performers must leave leadership,” he said.
He criticised what he described as a growing culture of dependency among some public officials.
“This is the time to talk straight to everyone. Why should a Muluka chief ask for a motorcycle to do his work? Let him ride a bicycle, it is better for him and he will live longer. I’m really sick and tired of parasitism and that’s why I said; in this kisanja no more sleep,” he added.
Regional Integration and Economic Growth
The President also highlighted Uganda’s economic progress, citing growth in GDP, exports, life expectancy and poverty reduction.
He argued that Uganda’s future prosperity will depend not only on domestic production but also on expanding regional and continental markets.
“Africa’s economic future depends on integration,” he said, noting that larger markets are necessary to absorb increasing levels of production and sustain long-term economic growth.
President Museveni concluded by calling on leaders at all levels to ensure government programmes translate into tangible improvements in household incomes and living standards.
Meanwhile, Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Jacob Oulanyah Oboth-Oboth reminded legislators of the constitutional significance of the State of the Nation Address, saying it provides guidance on national priorities and Parliament’s legislative agenda.
He urged Members of Parliament to work cohesively and remain focused on serving their constituents while supporting Uganda’s ambition of growing the economy tenfold to reach a value of USD 500 billion.
The address was attended by Vice President Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, cabinet ministers, diplomats and other dignitaries.