President Yoweri Museveni has called on Ugandans to focus on hard work and wealth creation, saying the country cannot afford complacency as he begins his seventh term in office.
Speaking shortly after taking the oath at Kololo Independence Grounds on Tuesday, Museveni described the new term as a period that should prioritise action, productivity, and economic progress among citizens.
“This term should be regarded as one with no more sleep for Ugandans,” Museveni said, stressing that people should stop blaming others when solutions to poverty already exist.
According to the President, many families have improved their living standards since the National Resistance Movement (NRM) came to power in 1986 because they embraced government programs and advice on wealth creation.
Museveni said progress can be seen in the increasing number of modern homes and real-estate developments along the Kampala-Entebbe road corridor, which he described as evidence that many Ugandans have become financially successful.
“If you want proof, look at the new houses being built by Ugandans themselves, not foreigners,” he noted, while acknowledging that poverty still exists among some citizens.
The President also credited the NRM for promoting national unity by rejecting politics based on tribe and religion. He argued that this approach has contributed to peace and helped the ruling party maintain strong electoral support over the years.
Museveni highlighted major infrastructure achievements under the NRM government, including roads, electricity, airports, schools, and health facilities developed during the last four decades.
However, he emphasized that infrastructure alone is not enough to improve livelihoods unless individuals and families actively participate in wealth creation.
“Development is important, but wealth must also be created at the household level,” he said, adding that true wealth is generated by individuals rather than government projects alone.
The President encouraged Ugandans to invest in sectors such as commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT, describing them as key drivers of economic growth and employment opportunities.
“If you want wealth, join these sectors because wealth creates jobs,” Museveni said, warning that job creation is impossible without strong economic activity and personal investment.
He further said the government remains responsible for providing essential public services, including security, healthcare, and education.
On regional integration, Museveni stressed the importance of expanding African markets to support trade and economic growth. He argued that a larger continental market would help absorb products produced by African countries.
“You cannot talk about development without markets,” he said, calling for stronger African unity to boost trade opportunities across the continent. The President concluded by urging Ugandans to actively participate in national transformation efforts through individual, family, and business-driven wealth-creation initiatives.