President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has delivered a stern warning to leaders and citizens during the State of the Nation Address 2026 at Kololo Independence Grounds, insisting that Uganda’s transformation depends on discipline, productivity and accountability.
“No more sleep, no more corruption, no more diversions, no more politeness for non-performers who seek leadership positions for ego and personal gain,” Museveni declared, reiterating his longstanding mobilisation message.
The President emphasised that Uganda’s development path has always centred on moving households from subsistence living into the money economy.
He traced this approach back to the 1960s, noting that the 10-point programme included the creation of an independent, integrated and self-sustaining national economy.
Museveni recalled early mobilisation efforts in the cattle corridor, where communities were encouraged to abandon nomadism in favour of enclosed farming and commercial production. He pointed to dairy farming as evidence of successful transformation, noting that milk production has increased from 200 million litres in 1986 to 5.4 billion litres today.
“They converted their indigenous Ankole cattle into half-breeds with Friesians and they took off,” he said.
The President highlighted government programmes such as the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, NAADS and Operation Wealth Creation as vehicles for extending transformation to all households.
He stressed that their success depends on discipline and responsible leadership.
Infrastructure development was also cited as a foundation for industrialisation. Museveni noted that electricity generation has increased from 60 megawatts in 1986 to more than 2,000 megawatts today, supporting industrial production and economic growth.
He said Uganda has transitioned into a lower-middle-income economy, driven by recovery, diversification, value addition and a shift towards knowledge-based production.
The President called for deeper regional and continental integration, arguing that Africa’s economic future depends on expanded markets capable of absorbing increasing production.
Addressing non-performers, Museveni issued a blunt warning:
“Either you lead or you stay in your home. All non-performers must leave leadership. I am really sick and tired of parasitism, and that is why I said: ‘In this kisanja, no more sleep.’”
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon. Jacob Oboth-Oboth, affirmed Parliament’s alignment with the President’s vision, urging Members of Parliament to prioritise their constituents and focus on Uganda’s tenfold economic growth target of US$500 billion.
The event was attended by Vice President Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, ministers and Members of Parliament.
Source: State House Uganda and Parliament of Uganda (June 2026).
H.E. Museveni addressing the state of the Nation speech earlier today
H.E Museveni with the Rt Honorable speaker of Parliament during the state of Nation Address.