By Caroline N.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has challenged Uganda’s newly appointed Cabinet Ministers and Ministers of State to accelerate wealth creation and move millions of Ugandans from subsistence production into the money economy, stressing that leadership must be guided by national transformation and improved livelihoods rather than personal interests.
The President made the call while officially opening a 10-day Cabinet Induction Retreat at the National Leadership Institute (NALI), Kyankwanzi. The retreat has brought together ministers and senior government officials to deepen their understanding of government policies, leadership responsibilities and national priorities as the Government prepares to implement its agenda for the 2026–2031 period.
Addressing the gathering, President Museveni described Kyankwanzi as a place of sacrifice, discipline and patriotism, values that have shaped the National Resistance Movement (NRM) since its inception.
“This is a place of sacrifice. The NRM is a party of sacrifice. People who let us down are people looking for their own things,” he said.
“The President stressed that leadership should be guided by service to the people rather than personal interests. He warned that leaders who pursue personal gain at the expense of public service undermine government programmes and weaken public trust.”
“I have noticed a decline in political awareness among leaders. In order to help yourself, you must understand how to help your people,” he said.
President Museveni emphasised the importance of political education, noting that effective leadership requires knowledge, understanding and a clear appreciation of the country’s transformation mission.
“Political education is knowledge and understanding, whereas propaganda is merely about exciting people,” he added.
He further cautioned against individuals who enter public service seeking personal gain, saying such tendencies undermine government programmes and public trust. He urged ministers to uphold integrity, discipline and patriotism in the execution of their duties.
The President noted that Uganda’s greatest challenge remains moving citizens from subsistence production into the money economy. He criticised the colonial economic model that focused on the export of raw materials while limiting industrial growth and value addition.
According to President Museveni, Uganda must increase local processing, packaging and branding of its products to create jobs, expand incomes and strengthen industrialisation.
“The purpose of leadership is to transform society. “We cannot continue to have peasants in Uganda. We must move our people from subsistence production into the money economy and build a modern society,” he said.
He identified commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as the key sectors that will drive Uganda’s economic transformation by creating jobs, increasing household incomes and expanding the productive economy.
The President called on ministers to support wealth-creation initiatives and ensure government programmes reach intended beneficiaries. He also emphasised the need to strengthen irrigation, mechanisation, disease control and market access to improve agricultural productivity.
“We cannot continue to have peasants in Uganda. Every family must move from subsistence living into the middle class or the skilled working class,” he emphasised.
Vice President Jessica Alupo described the retreat as an important opportunity for ministers to align themselves with government priorities and strengthen service delivery.
“We shall confront corruption and deliver diligently,” she pledged.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja reaffirmed Cabinet’s commitment to implementing government programmes and improving the livelihoods of Ugandans
The Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, Lucy Nakyobe Mbonye, urged ministers to translate policy commitments into tangible results, warning that corruption and poor implementation remain obstacles to Uganda’s aspiration of attaining upper middle-income status.
Held under the theme, “Leading Government with Integrity, Discipline and Results: Delivering Uganda to Upper Middle-Income Status,” the retreat is expected to strengthen ministers’ understanding of government priorities and enhance coordination in implementing programmes during the 2026–2031 period.
President Museveni concluded by urging leaders to remain focused on Uganda’s transformation mission and ensure that every citizen participates meaningfully in the country’s economic growth.