Tomorrow, Thursday - President Museveni is scheduled to deliver the State of the Nation Address as mandated by the Constitution. Over the years, his speeches have often covered similar themes, reflecting his consistent focus on certain key areas.
President Museveni is likely to highlight the country's improved security situation, attributing it to the efforts of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in crushing the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He will probably acknowledge the rising cases of criminal activity in Kampala and neighboring areas, assuring the nation that these culprits will be dealt with swiftly. Criticism towards the police for their perceived laxity is expected, alongside directives for them to enhance their performance or face consequences. Additionally, Museveni might advocate for increased investment in security equipment and surveillance cameras in urban and adjacent regions to bolster public safety.
Wealth creation is another perennial topic in Museveni's speeches. He will likely tout the successes of the Emyooga and Parish Development Model programs, emphasizing how these initiatives have transformed rural lives. Expect statistics on the funds distributed through these programs, accompanied by warnings to public officials against embezzling these resources. The president is also expected to discuss the four-acre model, showcasing it as a viable strategy for improving rural livelihoods. His frequent use of the term “Kidakyonka,” meaning working for the stomach, will likely make an appearance, reinforcing his message of self-sustenance and economic empowerment.
Infrastructure development is a favorite subject of the president, and he will probably provide a comprehensive overview of the progress made since 1986. Museveni will highlight the number of kilometers of roads paved, emphasizing how improved infrastructure reduces the cost of doing business. He will also address the country’s efforts to increase power generation, stressing the need for more affordable electricity to support economic growth. Updates on the oil sector, particularly the timeline for the first production of oil scheduled for 2026, are expected to feature prominently in his speech.
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Museveni's development agenda. He will likely present figures on the production of key agricultural products such as milk, matooke, and coffee, advocating for the expansion of irrigation schemes to enhance productivity. The president may also discuss the fertilizer plant in Tororo, assuring the nation that it will soon make fertilizers more affordable, thus boosting agricultural output.
As President Museveni prepares to deliver his address, these themes will likely form the core of his message, reflecting his ongoing commitment to security, wealth creation, infrastructure, and agriculture.
