Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Sunday used a thanksgiving gathering following his re-election to urge citizens to prioritise wealth creation, monitor government programmes and expose corruption, saying the country’s next phase of development depends on expanding economic activity at household level.
Thousands of supporters gathered at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala for an event dubbed “Yoga Yoga Jajja,” organised as a thanksgiving ceremony following the January 2026 presidential election.
According to the Independent Electoral Commission, Museveni secured 7,946,772 votes, representing 71.65% of the valid ballots cast, extending his decades-long rule.
Addressing the crowd, Museveni said political victories should translate into improved livelihoods through productive work in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, services and information technology.
“The issue of wealth and job creation is very important. It should be done in sectors such as commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services and ICT. Every adult in Uganda should ensure that he or she is engaged in productive work,” Museveni said.
He said poverty in some households continued to push young people onto the streets, adding that economic empowerment at family level remained central to the government’s strategy.
“That problem comes from homes that lack the capacity to support their children. That is why since 1995 we have been encouraging wealth creation under the message of ‘Bonna Bagagawale,’ so that every household can prosper,” he said.
Museveni said government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) were designed to move more Ugandans from subsistence livelihoods into the money economy.
“About 70 percent of Ugandans are now in the money economy, but there are still about 30 percent remaining. That is why programmes like the Parish Development Model are important,” he said.
He urged citizens to monitor how the programme is implemented in their communities.
“All of you belong to a parish and in towns it is called a ward. Elect committees and follow up on the Parish Development Model money so that you know who has received it and how it is being used,” he said.
Museveni also called on Ugandans to report corruption, warning against individuals who allegedly sell government jobs or misuse public resources.
“Do not tolerate corruption. We hear about people selling government jobs. Why don’t you report them so they are arrested? Many government workers are honest, but the few corrupt ones must be exposed,” he said.
The president also raised concern about theft of medicines in health facilities, urging communities to demand accountability.
“These health centres are here in Uganda, not in Congo or South Sudan. If there is theft of drugs, the people must demand answers,” he said.
Museveni said improving infrastructure, particularly roads, and strengthening local participation in major national projects remained government priorities.
“Local content means that if something can be done by Ugandans, they must be given priority. For example, the Standard Gauge Railway will need materials such as cement sleepers, and these can be produced locally,” he said.
Vice President Jessica Alupo congratulated Museveni on the election victory and thanked voters for supporting stability and development.
“Your Excellency, thank you for steering the campaign teams with excellence, which enabled us to secure a victory that was not contested. I thank the people of Uganda for supporting peace, security and development,” she said.
Pastor Robert Kayanja, who led prayers during the ceremony, said the gathering was an opportunity to thank God for the country’s leadership and stability.
“Today we have come back to thank the Heavenly Father. We do not take it for granted that God has given Mzee and Maama life and granted them victory,” Kayanja said.
The event was organised by Aminah Mukalazi, head of the State House Local Content Unit, and attended by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, ministers, lawmakers and religious leaders.
