Kampala, Uganda – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has been celebrated at a Thanksgiving function at Kololo Independence Grounds, attended by thousands of supporters including Ministers, political leaders, religious leaders and other dignitaries.
The event, organized by the NRM secretariat led by the director for mobilisation, Rosemary Sseninde, aimed to show appreciation for the President’s leadership and dedication to the country’s development.
In his speech as the guest of honour, President Museveni reiterated his commitment to defeating corruption, which he believes is spearheaded by a few government officials. “We are going to defeat corruption. The current problem of corruption in the country is mainly being spearheaded by the Permanent Secretaries, Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), Town Clerks, and Gombolola Chiefs,” he said.
He urged the public to report corrupt officials, citing an example of a corruption case in Kagadi district. “I got a complaint where the people from Kagadi were saying that our children aren’t getting jobs because they lack money to buy jobs. One of them said that they charge UGX. 10 Million per child to bribe the district service committee and I think the CAO to get a job at the district council administration. Why do you let such things happen, why not report so that we arrest them?”
However, the President promised to fall up the matter where he disclosed that he will direct the Inspector general of government to make thorough investigation into the alleged corruption scandal of the said officials.
Additionally, President Museveni urged Ugandans to fully utilize their local council leadership in a bid to fight corruption, particularly at the district level. “When we started the LC system, Local council 1,2,3, and 5, we wanted you to defend yourselves against bad leadership by government officials. I would like you to use that system more and report all corrupt officials to the authority,” he said.
The President highlighted on the National Resistance Movement’s achievements that includes security for all, mass immunization, expanded health infrastructure, education for all, and prosperity for all.
He also hinted at the NRM’s successful implementation of peace and security where he revealed that as government they’ve removed all army road blocks where they used to extract money or kill the civilians during the past regimes. “If you kill people today, you are also killed for the case of the army officers. So that one was implemented.” Said the president
“Our line from the beginning has always been about working for the masses.I was therefore glad to see today’s appreciation for what the NRM has done. I appeal to those who are not yet involved in wealth creation to join in.”
Inregads to education for all, the president revealed that the program has been implemented by the government but still has a few gaps that still need to be addressed forexample the existing school fees charges in both the Universal primary and secondary education, noting that this can be addressed if there is zero tolerance of corruption in both Ministries of Education and Finance. “We should remove charges in government schools and inorder to do that, we must get rid of all the corruption in the education system. The ghosts the capitation grants alot of it is air. It seems the people in the ministry of education and finance have been sending capitation grant for ghosts. If we close all those loopholes we can provide free education.” He said
The President noted that if the gaps in different government institutions are fully addressed, the country will be able to celebrate the NRM achievements of education for all, immunization for all, security for all and prosperity for all
Furthermore, President Museveni warned opposition leaders who he accused of colluding with foreign powers to disrupt the country’s peace and security. “They go to some embassies of foreign countries and are paid huge sums of money to disrupt operations in Uganda. I want to warn all those who want to disrupt the peace of our country, why would someone want to destroy all that we’ve built instead of embracing them?” he said.
The National Resistance Movement Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, praised and thanked the President for his wise stewardship that has transformed Uganda socially and economically.
“Your Excellency, we thank you for your leadership, which has brought peace and stability to our country, allowing families to settle and the economy to grow,” Rt. Hon. Todwong said. He acknowledged the President’s role in creating an enabling environment where everyone can contribute to Uganda’s development.
The NRM Director for Mobilisation, Hon. Rosemary Nansubuga Seninde, who led the organizing team, praised the President’s legacy, saying it deserves recognition for his immense contributions to Uganda’s development. “We acknowledge your selfless leadership and numerous achievements that have benefited Uganda and the region. Your dedication to our country’s growth is worth celebrating. We honor your legacy and appreciate your visionary leadership.”
The event was a show of appreciation for President Museveni’s leadership and the NRM’s commitment to the country’s development.
