Museveni said that he is angered by persistent demands for facilitation by some leaders, arguing that such attitudes undermine the country’s development efforts. He said such attitudes hinder national development and stressed the need for self-reliance and service delivery.
“I am tired of parasitism,” Museveni declared as he highlighted success stories of Ugandans who have transformed their livelihoods through government wealth-creation programmes.
The President’s remarks came as he showcased beneficiaries of initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and the four-acre model, which he has consistently promoted as pathways to household income growth and socio-economic transformation. He said that he used to ride a bicycle to serve his people, something he noted could be replicated by leaders.
Museveni contrasted the achievements of farmers and entrepreneurs who have embraced government programmes with leaders whom he accused of focusing on allowances rather than service delivery. He said many Ugandans had demonstrated that prosperity is possible through productive work and proper utilisation of available government interventions, without waiting for handouts.
The President pointed to examples of households that have increased their incomes through commercial agriculture, livestock rearing, coffee growing, fish farming, and other enterprises promoted under the four-acre model. According to Museveni, the success of such individuals vindicates the government’s long-standing message on wealth creation and self-reliance.
His comments are consistent with a theme he has repeatedly raised in speeches over the years, where he criticises what he calls a “dependence syndrome” among public officials and sections of the population. The President has often argued that some leaders expect facilitation before mobilising communities, supervising government programmes, or performing routine duties, despite receiving salaries from the state.
He maintained that Uganda’s transformation would depend on citizens embracing production and wealth creation rather than looking to government for continuous support. He also noted that the NRM government has identified and addressed almost all the requirements for building a prosperous Uganda.
Museveni urged leaders at all levels to focus on helping wananchi understand and benefit from government programmes instead of prioritising personal allowances and facilitation. The State of the Nation Address was delivered ahead of the presentation of the national budget for the 2026/27 financial year and outlined the government’s achievements, challenges, and priorities across various sectors-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
