President Museveni has warned leaders against failing Ugandans through poor implementation of government poverty alleviation programmes, saying the time for excuses is over.
Addressing the first sitting of the 12th Parliament, Museveni said Uganda has spent decades trying to transform livelihoods, but some leaders have continued pursuing positions of leadership without prioritising the welfare of the people they represent.
“For the last 60 years, we have been trying to move our people out of poverty. Some people want leadership positions, but they do not care about the people they lead,” Museveni said.
The President noted that while he has in the past handled such matters with patience and dialogue, he would now take a tougher stance against leaders frustrating government programmes.
“In the past, I have been polite. I would talk and talk. But now, as President of Uganda and Chairman of the NRM, I am going to be very firm. I will not tolerate betrayal anymore,” he said.
Museveni emphasised that government has already invested substantial resources into programmes aimed at wealth creation, employment and infrastructure development, particularly through the Parish Development Model (PDM).
“This money must be used to fight poverty and create jobs. There is also money for infrastructure. All this time I have been monitoring quietly because I did not want to embarrass mature people. But now the money is available and already on the ground. Use it to get our people out of poverty,” he said.
The President described Uganda as a naturally blessed country with fertile soils and reliable rainfall, questioning why countries with harsher environments appear to generate more jobs and prosperity.
“This country is paradise. We have rain and everything needed for production. Why should people living in deserts have more jobs and opportunities than us?” he asked.
Museveni cited examples of elderly Ugandans who had lived their entire lives without owning property or accumulating wealth, saying such situations were unacceptable despite the existence of government support programmes.
“When I visited one woman, she was 64 years old and had never owned anything in her life. Honourable members, hear that clearly. At 64 years old, she had never owned anything,” he said.
The President stressed that every leader must ensure government programmes directly benefit wananchi and contribute to poverty eradication.
“Enough is enough. Every so-called leader must use government programmes to eradicate poverty. Jobs come from wealth creation. You cannot have jobs without wealth,” Museveni said.
He further revealed that government has already disbursed substantial funds to parishes under PDM, warning leaders against misuse or failure to supervise the programme effectively.
“I am now in a very bad mood because the capital is already there. In the past, people would say there was no money. But now there is Shs800 million in the parish already. Use it to solve poverty,” he added.