President Yoweri Museveni issued a strong warning against corruption and the misuse of government funds, saying Ugandans now have the power to hold leaders accountable through local government structures and participatory wealth-creation programs.
“If anybody is diverting government money, you are empowered to deal with him or her,” Museveni said. “The programs are there in every parish and constituency. There should be no more excuses.”
In his speech after being sworn in for the seventh term at Kololo Independence Grounds today (May 12, 2026), the President stressed that corruption continues to undermine service delivery and economic transformation, despite government interventions through agencies such as the Inspectorate of Government (IG).
Uganda is estimated to lose more than Shs9 trillion annually to corruption, affecting critical sectors including health, education and infrastructure.
According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, Uganda remains among the poorly ranked countries globally in the fight against graft, reflecting persistent concerns over accountability and abuse of public resources.
Museveni urged citizens to actively monitor government programs at parish and district levels to ensure public funds reach intended beneficiaries.
He said participatory initiatives under local government structures were designed to empower ordinary Ugandans to expose corrupt officials and safeguard community development projects.
The President also criticized the continued export of raw materials without value addition, describing the practice as a “strategic mistake” that has kept Africa poor decades after independence.
“When Africa exports raw materials without value addition, we donate jobs and wealth to outsiders,” Museveni said, citing gold processing and agro-industrialisation as examples of how local manufacturing could increase national earnings and create employment opportunities.
He called for stronger regional integration through the East African Community (EAC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), arguing that larger regional markets are essential for Africa’s industrial growth and economic transformation.
Museveni further pledged to strengthen environmental protection measures, including restoring wetlands and forests, while promoting irrigation and fish farming as part of sustainable agriculture and climate resilience.
Speaking on behalf of visiting leaders, Burundi President Évariste Ndayishimiye congratulated Museveni on his leadership and praised Uganda’s socio-economic progress.
“Your renewed mandate is a powerful affirmation of peace, stability and institutional continuity that Uganda has cultivated over the years,” Ndayishimiye said.
He noted that Museveni’s leadership had positioned Uganda among Africa’s emerging economies through investments in infrastructure, poverty reduction and social development.
“We have followed with admiration the remarkable transformation Uganda has achieved under your stewardship,” the Burundian leader added.
Ndayishimiye also paid tribute to Museveni’s role in regional peace-building efforts, particularly in Burundi and the wider Great Lakes region.
“The people of Burundi will always remember with gratitude your tireless efforts in favour of peace, not only within our borders but across the Great Lakes region,” he said.
He described Museveni as “a wise and respected African statesman” whose leadership continues to guide the continent toward peace, unity and cooperation.
