The People’s Front for Freedom party president, Erias Lukwago, has said that after 40 years in power, President Yoweri Museveni has little left to offer Ugandans, as citizens continue to grapple with hunger, anger and desperation.
Speaking on the NBS TV programme Tropical Discussion ahead of the State of the Nation Address, Lukwago criticised Kazo County MP Dan Kimosho, accusing him of aligning closely with the government’s messaging ahead of the presidential address.
“After 40 years, there is not much Mr Museveni can offer Ugandans,” Lukwago said.
The former Kampala Lord Mayor painted a bleak picture of the country’s socio-economic conditions, saying many citizens are struggling with basic survival.
“The state of affairs is that people are hungry, angry and desperate,” he added.
Lukwago also questioned Uganda’s broader economic direction and fiscal policy, arguing that the country’s priorities were misplaced.
“What is our fiscal policy as a country?” he asked.
Citing trade figures, Lukwago noted that gold has become Uganda’s leading foreign exchange earner, followed by coffee contributing about 18 percent. He argued that the country had failed to fully leverage its traditional economic strengths.
“In my own assessment, our mainstay should have been coffee. We should have leveraged it as our comparative advantage,” he said.
In response, Kazo County MP Dan Kimosho said President Museveni would use the State of the Nation Address to rally Ugandans and outline the government’s strategic direction.
“I expect the President to come out strong on corruption and how this term is for no sleep,” Kimosho said.
He further highlighted the Parish Development Model (PDM) as one of government’s key achievements, saying it has helped reduce the number of citizens outside the money economy.
“This is another opportunity for President Museveni to teach Ugandans how to progress. You can expect videos of those who have transformed themselves and their areas,” he said.
The President’s annual address is expected to focus on economic growth, wealth creation, and ongoing government programmes aimed at transitioning households into commercial production.