In a moment of national reflection and gratitude, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, alongside First Lady Janet Museveni, hosted a grand Thanksgiving ceremony at the Entebbe State House.
The event, which was attended by religious leaders from various denominations, government officials, and representatives from different sectors, provided a platform for the President to address key issues facing Uganda and encourage a unified approach toward national progress
In his speech, President Museveni began by congratulating Ugandans for making it through another successful year. He expressed his deep appreciation for the resilience and determination shown by the people, despite challenges faced throughout the year. The President acknowledged the collective efforts of citizens, religious leaders, and government officials in moving the nation forward
One of the key messages delivered by President Museveni was the importance of wealth creation as a path to national prosperity. He encouraged Ugandans to become proactive in generating wealth by investing in agriculture especially livestock and crop production.
The President emphasised that every Ugandan household should aim to have cows, grow crops, and engage in other income-generating activities that can help foster self-sufficiency and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
He reiterated the principles of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), highlighting that economic growth is essential for national development and stability. Museveni stressed the need for individuals and communities to prioritize wealth creation, focusing on practical steps such as agricultural investments, small-scale businesses, and entrepreneurs
A key part of President Museveni’s speech was his strong condemnation of sectarianism, especially the divisive tendencies based on religion and ethnicity. He warned against the rising rhetoric that seeks to divide Ugandans along religious lines, citing the dangers of sectarianism seen in other countries like Syria and Lebanon, which have been torn apart by religious and ethnic conflicts.
Museveni emphasised the importance of national unity and patriotism, noting that every Ugandan, regardless of their religion or tribe, needs to work together for the betterment of the country. He praised Uganda’s religious leaders for their role in fostering unity and peace but also urged them to continue promoting love for God and for one’s neighbours—principles rooted in the great commandments of Christianity
The President also spoke about the dual nature of poverty—spiritual and material. While acknowledging the material poverty many Ugandans face, he urged religious leaders to address spiritual poverty as well. He noted that a healthy, wealthy nation is not just one with financial success but one where citizens embrace spiritual growth, compassion, and a sense of purpose. This, according to Museveni, will drive Uganda towards becoming a nation of wealth creators.
In line with his vision of wealth creation, Museveni outlined the government’s new initiative: the Parish Development Model (PDM). The model aims to empower Ugandans at the grassroots level, providing them with the tools and support needed to start small businesses and generate sustainable wealth. The introduction of this program, Museveni explained, would help individuals move out of poverty and build a stronger, more resilient economy.
On the subject of financial accessibility, Museveni shared a recent experience where he was informed of banks deducting high transaction fees for money transfers, particularly the UGX 30,000 charged per transfer.
In response, the President assured Ugandans that he would engage with the banks to address these concerns, promising that in the future, recipients would be able to access larger sums of money without such hefty deductions. This, he believes, will further encourage financial inclusion and support the economic aspirations of Ugandans across the country.
The President also used the occasion to address environmental concerns, urging Ugandans to avoid reckless ways of living that contribute to environmental degradation. He gave the example of people settling in wetlands, a practice that has led to frequent landslides and loss of life. Museveni warned that such practices are detrimental not only to the environment but also to public safety, urging citizens to prioritize responsible land use and respect for the environment
In conclusion, President Museveni’s Thanksgiving ceremony was more than just a celebration of the year gone by—it was a call to action for all Ugandans to work together, create wealth, and build a more unified and prosperous nation. By focusing on agriculture, entrepreneurship, and environmental responsibility, Museveni believes Uganda can continue its journey toward national development and economic independence.
The President’s speech resonated deeply with attendees, leaving them with a sense of purpose and a renewed commitment to building a better future for all.
