MUSEVENI WARNS LEADERS AGAINST NON-PERFORMANCE,

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has issued a strong call to leaders and citizens to intensify efforts in Uganda’s economic transformation.

Giving his state of the Nation address at Kololo Independence Ground in Kampala Museveni warned against non-performance, corruption and diversion from productive work.

He said Uganda’s progress depends on discipline in leadership and the full participation of citizens in the money economy through structured production and wealth creation.

He also thanked Ugandans for participating in the electoral process since January 15, 2026, and for their support to the ruling National Resistance Movement, before turning to what he described as the core challenge facing the country; the need to eliminate economic and leadership inefficiencies.

“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.”

President Museveni further warned against tolerance of weak execution of mandate in both the government and communities, arguing that Uganda cannot achieve transformation if leaders fail to guide citizens into productive work.

He used his longstanding mobilisation message to reinforce this point, clarifying what he called distortions of his earlier remarks.

“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.

The President said Uganda’s development path has always been about shifting people from subsistence living into structured economic participation, arguing that the biggest challenge has been moving households into the money economy. 

To non-performers, President Museveni warned that if they cannot fulfil their mandate, they should leave leadership.

“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.

“This is the time to talk straight to everyone. Why should a Muluka chief (a local-level administrative leader) 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.”

The President concluded his address by reinforcing the central message of discipline, productivity and accountability in leadership, urging leaders to ensure that government programmes deliver real results at household level and contribute to Uganda’s long-term economic transformation.

On his part, the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth notified Members of Parliament of the President's Constitutional obligation to hold the State of the Nation Address highlighting key national achievements, pressing challenges and drawing of Parliament's legislative agenda as it commences its business.

He rallied MPs to ensure cohesion, hardwork and prioritize their electorate as they undertake their mandate with guidance from the President's State of the Nation Address to Parliament.

The Speaker also affirmed Parliament's focus and alignment of its undertakings towards Uganda’s tenfold economic growth target of USD500 billion.

The event was also attended by the Vice President, H.E Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, Ministers, among other dignitaries.