President Yoweri Museveni has warned public servants and citizens against what he described as a growing culture of dependency, poor performance, corruption, and diversion from productive work, urging them to intensify efforts aimed at transforming Uganda’s economy through structured production and wealth creation.
Speaking during the State of the Nation Address at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala on Thursday, June 4, Museveni said leaders should focus on delivering results rather than demanding allowances and other privileges.
“I am tired of parasitism. To non-performers, either you lead or you stay at home. I hear leaders talking about allowances to reach their people and mobilise them against poverty. I get nauseous. Out of politeness, I have been keeping quiet, but now I am telling you that all non-performers must leave leadership,” Museveni said.
The President also criticised the growing demands for facilitation among local leaders, citing his own experience as an example of self-reliance.
“I used to ride a bicycle from Kazo to Rwakitura. Today, you hear a Muluka Chief demanding a motorcycle. For what? Let them ride bicycles,” he said.
Museveni argued that public servants should concentrate on executing their responsibilities rather than pursuing additional benefits, warning that excessive demands for facilitation place unnecessary pressure on public resources.
He further criticised Members of Parliament and government workers who seek allowances to perform duties for which they are already paid, saying such practices undermine national development efforts and perpetuate a culture of dependency.
According to the President, Uganda’s development agenda has consistently focused on moving people from subsistence living into meaningful economic participation. However, he noted that the major challenge remains integrating more households into the money economy.
Museveni highlighted government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, NAADS, and Operation Wealth Creation, saying they were designed to accelerate economic transformation by enabling households to engage in structured production and wealth creation.
He emphasised that the success of these programmes depends on discipline, effective implementation, and responsible leadership at all levels.
The President also underscored the importance of infrastructure development, including roads, electricity, and transport systems, describing them as critical foundations for industrialisation, market access, and sustained economic growth.
