Museveni Declares “No More Sleep” Era, Outlines Vision for Wealth Creation at 2026 Inauguration
KAMPALA, May 12, 2026 — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was today sworn in for another term at a colorful ceremony held at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, where he delivered a sweeping policy speech declaring the start of a new “Kisanja” (term) dubbed “No More Sleep for all Ugandans.”
The President, who was returned to office following the January 15, 2026, elections, used the platform to celebrate the ruling National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) decisive victories while issuing a stern call to action for citizens to leverage government programs to exit poverty.
Election Results and Calls for Peace
President Museveni congratulated the NRM for winning the presidential, parliamentary, and local council elections with “big majorities.” He also acknowledged other parties like the DP and UPC for participating without violence. However, he sharply criticized the National Unity Platform (NUP) and elements of the FDC, accusing them of using violence.
He urged the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) to establish clear guidelines on electoral conduct, stating, “The parties under IPOD should clearly lay out agreed guidelines on the dos and don’ts of election management, according to the laws and the constitution of Uganda.”
The “Matafaari” on the House of Uganda
Reflecting on 40 years of NRM leadership, the President listed the “matafaari” (contributions) his government has made to the nation’s foundation: peace achieved through rejecting sectarianism, massive infrastructure development (roads, electricity, water), and the provision of social services.
He pointed to the transformation of Kampala’s skyline and real estate booms in areas like Akright and Bwebajja as proof of progress compared to 1986.
Wealth Creation and Jobs
The core of the President’s address focused on economic transformation. He argued that while the government provides peace, infrastructure, and cheap capital (via PDM, Emyooga, and UDB), citizens must now do their part.
“This is where Kisanja ‘No more sleep’ comes in,” Museveni said, urging Ugandans to wake up (kuva mundoolo).
He cited local success stories to prove that wealth is attainable, including:
· Basangwa Johnson of Kamuli.
· Ijala Joseph of Serere.
· Nyakaana, a farmer in Fort Portal who reportedly earns net Shs. 240 million annually from just 1.3 acres, employing 15 people.
The President projected that if 7 million of Uganda’s 40 million arable acres were used intensively like Nyakaana, the country could create 105 million jobs in small-scale commercial agriculture alone.
A Stern Warning on Value Addition
In a strong message to African leaders and international partners, Museveni condemned the export of unprocessed raw materials, calling it a “strategic blunder” that has kept Africa poor for 70 years.
Using gold as an example, he noted that unprocessed gold (84% purity) sells for $60,000 per kilo, while processed gold (99.9% purity) fetches $168,000. “You do not only donate money to the outsiders… you also donate jobs,” he said, reiterating Uganda’s ban on the export of unprocessed minerals.
He noted that Africa’s total GDP ($3.6 trillion) is dwarfed by the USA ($32 trillion) and China ($20.65 trillion), despite Africa having four times the land area of the US.
Environmental Protection and Agriculture
The President issued a directive on wetland conservation: “All the rice growing and potatoes growing in the swamps, must stop.” He called for a transition to fish-farming on the edges of wetlands, which he described as more profitable and environmentally sustainable.
To support small-scale agriculture, he highlighted a solar-powered water pump model by Hon. Joselyn Kamateneti (MP for Ntungamo) costing Shs. 8.1 million per village, urging its adaptation for areas without natural springs.
Conclusion
President Museveni concluded by thanking visiting Heads of State and international friends, reaffirming his commitment to the Federation of East Africa as a strategic goal for markets and security.
“God Bless Africa. God bless Uganda. Let there be Peace and Justice in the World,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by several regional leaders and a large contingent of Ugandans, including the Bazzukulu (youth), who responded enthusiastically to the “No More Sleep” clarion call.
About The Author
