President Yoweri Museveni has declared that the 2026–2031 term will be focused on wealth creation, emphasising that Ugandans no longer have excuses for not tapping into the country's abundant resources. This new term, described by the president as a "Kisanja of no more sleep for all Ugandans," follows his inauguration at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
The President took his oath of office and subsequently received the tools of command from the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
The swearing‑in ceremony was followed by a military parade by the UPDF and sister security forces. Guests were treated to seamless drills by UPDF special forces, air forces, motorised infantry forces, among other military drills by various UPDF units.
President Museveni noted that families that have followed the NRM's message over the years have risen out of poverty, citing developments in Kampala's real estate, economic and social infrastructure, wealth creation, service delivery, and the peace and growth brought about by the NRM ideology.
The President reiterated that those who wish to create wealth should focus on four key sectors: commercial agriculture, ICT, manufacturing, and services, which he said offer both low- and high-skill jobs. He further explained that wealth creation in these areas would also lead to job creation, addressing the country's employment challenges.
President Museveni cited examples of farmers who have listened to his advice and achieved impressive success.
For instance, Johnson Basangwa of Jeka Poultry Farm in Kamuli District earns over Shs 7 billion a year and employs over 300 people. Similarly, Joseph Ijala from Serere, a mixed farmer who also produces yoghurt, earns Shs 6 million a day from selling eggs.
Meanwhile, Richard Nyakana, a model farmer from Rwengaju, Kabarole District, uses 1.3 acres of land and earns over Shs 240 million a year, employing 15 people.
The President noted that Uganda has 14 million acres of arable land. If even half of this land were utilised, he said it could create over 100 million jobs – more than Uganda's entire population. He explained that the government supports small-scale job creators and cited large enterprises like the Madhvani Group's Kakira Sugar, which employs 14,000 people, and Sheraton Hotel Kampala, which employs 400 people.
However, Mr. Museveni pointed out that the main challenge facing the NRM government is the lack of aggression among Ugandans when it comes to wealth creation. Despite the country having peace, infrastructure, services, and access to African markets, many Ugandans are not fully engaged in wealth creation. He emphasised the importance of shifting the education system to focus on imparting practical skills required in the growing labour market.
President Museveni also addressed the opposition parties, particularly the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), calling them out for promoting violence during the recent elections. He congratulated the National Resistance Movement (NRM) for its sweeping victories, while also recognising other parties like the Democratic Party (DP) and Uganda People's Congress (UPC) for their peaceful participation.
He noted that Uganda’s growing market, fuelled by the East African Community and other international markets, is another positive factor in the nation's development.
Museveni called for parties under the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) to establish clear guidelines for managing elections according to Uganda’s laws and constitution.
During his speech, President Museveni took time to encourage Ugandans (especially the bazukulu, or grandchildren) to appreciate the countries that supported Uganda’s liberation struggle. He particularly mentioned Tanzania, whose former president Julius Nyerere laid the foundation for the NRA; Mozambique, which worked with Nyerere to help build the NRA; and Kenya, where Museveni sought refuge during the war.
Speaking at the event, His Excellency Évariste Ndayishimiye, the President of Burundi and Chairman of the African Union, also addressed the gathering, praising President Museveni for his significant contributions to Uganda's peace, institutional continuity, and development. Ndayishimiye specifically acknowledged Museveni’s efforts in restoring and consolidating peace in Burundi during a critical time in the country’s history. He also recognised Museveni's role in promoting regional peace, unity, and cooperation across Africa.
The event was attended by several other distinguished guests, including Presidents Samia Suluhu Hassan (Tanzania), Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema (Gabon), Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé (Togo), Daniel Chapo (Mozambique), and Salva Kiir Mayardit (South Sudan), among others.
