Museveni Urges Ugandans to Seize Wealth Creation Opportunities

Museveni said government remains willing to increase funding for successful development programmes if existing allocations prove insufficient.

President Yoweri Museveni has urged Ugandans to take full advantage of government-backed financing programmes and invest in productive sectors to improve household incomes and drive national economic growth.

Delivering the State of the Nation Address at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on Thursday, marking the opening of the 12th Parliament, Museveni said Ugandans should embrace opportunities in commercial agriculture, manufacturing, information and communication technology (ICT) and services rather than remaining outside the money economy. He pointed to government investments in the Uganda Development Bank, which has received funding of about Shs1.6 trillion to support businesses, farmers and manufacturers. According to the President, these investments have already helped transform local economies and create new opportunities across the country.

Museveni said government remains willing to increase funding for successful development programmes if existing allocations prove insufficient. He encouraged citizens to make use of initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, which provide low-interest financing to support small businesses and agricultural projects.

Infrastructure and Regional Markets Key to Economic Growth

The President credited Uganda's progress in agriculture and wealth creation to the prevailing peace and stability in the country, as well as improvements in transport infrastructure. He highlighted ongoing efforts to modernise the country's railway network, including the rehabilitation of the metre-gauge railway and plans for a standard-gauge railway. Collaboration with neighbouring Kenya and Tanzania on oil pipeline projects, he said, will further strengthen regional trade and lower transport costs.

According to Museveni, shifting heavy cargo from roads to railways and pipelines will improve efficiency and leave roads primarily for passenger transport and lighter freight. The President also stressed the importance of expanding access to regional and international markets. He argued that economic integration across Africa would create larger opportunities for Ugandan entrepreneurs and farmers to sell their products beyond national borders.

He pointed to fast-growing economies such as China and India, which rely heavily on external markets, as examples of how broader market access can drive development. "The message is clear: no more sleep," Museveni told Ugandans, urging them to take advantage of opportunities already available to build wealth and improve their livelihoods.

Government Prepares Major Legislative Agenda

Museveni also used the address to outline an ambitious legislative programme for the 2026/27 financial year. He revealed that government plans to table 38 Bills, policy frameworks, reports and statutory instruments before Parliament. The proposed measures are intended to strengthen governance, improve public services and support economic development.

Among the key Bills expected before lawmakers are the Uganda Railways Bill, the Real Estate Bill, the Food and Agriculture Regulatory Authority Bill, amendments to education and health sector laws, and legislation related to taxation and local government administration. Several important fiscal and economic reports will also be presented, including budget performance reports, public debt assessments, petroleum fund reports and the National Budget Framework Paper.

The President reaffirmed government's commitment to accountability and performance, warning that non-performing leaders would no longer be tolerated. He said Uganda has the potential to achieve widespread rural transformation through agriculture and urged leaders at all levels to help citizens access available financing and development opportunities.