PRESIDENT MUSEVENI MARKS 81ST BIRTHDAY AS HE OFFICIATES AT FIRST-EVER BODA UNION FESTIVAL

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today celebrated his 81st birthday at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala City. The birthday celebrations were held concurrently with the first-ever Boda Union Festival and Expo. During his address, the President who was in the company of the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, thanked boda boda riders for celebrating his birthday with him. He also highlighted the government's efforts to protect boda boda riders from exploitative boda loans and moneylenders. “My agreement with the Boda Bodas is that it is criminal for someone to give you a rabbit and then demand a cow in return. Moneylenders give you Shs5 million and expect Shs15 million back. That is robbery,” he said, adding that high interest rates have made moneylenders “enemies of progress” across sectors, including agriculture. He explained that this is why the government introduced the Parish Development Model (PDM), which offers low-interest financing. “If we give you Shs1 million, you pay back just Shs1,125,000 after two years. We have applied the same arrangement for the ghetto and now for the Boda Bodas,” he said. The President also announced support to the industry and revealed that the State House Comptroller, Ms. Jane Barekye will certify all Boda Boda SACCOs to ensure accountability and prevent selfish individuals from misusing funds. Maama Janet congratulated the President for reaching his 81st birthday. She also urged Ugandans to embrace unity as the bedrock of transformation. “Africa was blessed with abundant resources, but we have remained poor because we fight among ourselves. Now, by God’s grace, Uganda has been given the wisdom to form a union — to bring us together. When we unite, we will be unstoppable,” she said. The First Lady also noted that while unity is key, Ugandans must also “learn to serve what we produce,” so as to build their own banks, wealth, and future. “God has used the President to lay a firm foundation for the Boda Bodas, the taxis, and for families across Uganda. It is now upon us to build on that foundation and create a nation that is truly unstoppable,” Maama Janet added. The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Among also congratulated the President on his 81st birthday and praised him for making Uganda “the country everyone wants to live in.” She also thanked him for creating a conducive environment that has enabled the boda boda industry to flourish. On their part, boda boda leaders hailed the President for his support towards the industry. Mr. Frank Mawejje, Chairperson of the United Riders Cooperative Union, revealed that the recent patriotism training at Kaweweta gave riders the knowledge to run their unions more professionally. He said unlike in the past when SACCOs would collapse, they now employ accountants and lawyers to ensure proper management. Mr. Mawejje however, urged the government to deal with moneylenders who still confiscate the riders’ National IDs despite a Presidential directive banning the practice. Union Business Products Advisor, Mr. Fred Ssenoga called for unity between the taxi and boda boda sectors, saying their combined numbers in Kampala could lobby for life-transforming projects. He announced plans to establish “Union Villages” to help members own homes instead of spending their entire lives riding without a place to call their own. Mr. Ssenoga also appealed for government review of the Shs 700,000 digital number plate registration fee, arguing it was unfair for riders to pay the same as luxury car owners. Mr. Sekindi Rashid, Chairperson of the Uganda Taxi Operators Federation (UTOF) requested the President to officially launch the new taxi park in Kampala and thanked him for expanding the road network and harmonizing the previously divided taxi industry. Events promoter Abbey Musinguzi alias Abtex also requested President Museveni to support events promoters through SACCOs, citing heavy exploitation by moneylenders. The celebrations ended with renewed calls for unity, discipline, and innovation within Uganda’s transport and entertainment industries, with leaders pledging to build on the foundation laid by the President.

2025-09-14

LUWERO ROADSIDE MARKET VENDORS TIPPED ON HOUSEHOLD INCOME AS PRESIDENT MUSEVENI OFFERS FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Roadside market vendors in Luwero district have been urged to ensure that they work towards stabilizing their household income and creating wealth. “H.E the President always advises us to join the money economy through the four sectors; commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services and ICT. If we heed his message, we will be able to improve and stabilize our household income, thus creating wealth,” the Senior Presidential Advisor In-charge of the Elderly, Princess Pauline Nassolo said. Princess Nassolo made the remarks on Friday 12th September, 2025 as she led a team from State House to deliver President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s business booster package to the vendors of Balikyejusa Market in Luwero. At least 640 vendors benefited from the package and each one of them received Shs100,000. They majorly deal in agricultural produce, roasted gonja, roasted chicken and meat, beverages, among other items. According to Princess Nassolo, President Museveni received a report that most of the vendors have never benefited from the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, so he decided to first send them additional capital to their businesses as they wait to benefit from other government programs. “H.E the President has sent us to deliver this money to you directly. It's meant to boost your businesses. Use it well,” She advised. Princess Nassolo also called upon the vendors to always hold their leaders accountable if they want to benefit from government programs. “If you hold your leaders accountable, you will be able to get the right services from the government,” she said. “More so, you should vote for the right leaders who will be able to deliver on their promises. These leaders belong to the NRM party,” she added. On her part, the Special Presidential Assistant on Women Affairs, Ms. Flora Kabibi cautioned the vendors against politicking, urging them to mainly focus on working and improving their livelihoods. “As we head to the political season, vote for your candidates then go back and work, don't involve yourself in politicking,” she urged. “H.E the President always encourages all of us to work so that we improve our livelihoods. He has even extended financial support to you so that you can boost your businesses.” Ms. Kabibi also appealed to parents to nurture their children well to be responsible citizens in the country. The Chairperson of Balikyejusa Market, Mr. Nyombi Yakub Zziwa who also serves as the Chairperson of NRM Workers League - Luwero district, revealed that the money from the President is a big addition to them and that they were going to use it to expand their enterprises. “We thank the NRM government for its numerous poverty alleviation programs aimed at uplifting the lives of Ugandans.” Mr. Kayindo Musisi Ali, the Vice Chairperson of the market was also among the beneficiaries. He thanked President Museveni for extending support to the vendors and promised that they will utilise the funds well to grow their businesses. “Mzee we are so happy that you have given us this money to add into our businesses. Some of our people have inadequate capital but this support from H.E is going to solve that challenge,” he said. Ms. Nakibuule Sylvia, another vendor at Balikyejusa Market also expressed gratitude to President Museveni for the financial support, explaining that she is going to use it to boost her small business. Another excited vendor, Namugenyi Sandra, assured President Museveni that as vendors who have benefited from his financial support, they were going to reward him by voting him back to power in 2026. “We are going to vote for President Museveni again and again.” Mr. Ssimbwa Nelson, a vendor dealing in pineapples was also grateful to President Museveni for the kind gesture to the ordinary people like him. “Your Excellency, I can't thank you enough apart from praying for your good health. We pray that God enables you to lead and serve Ugandans for more years,” he stated.

2025-09-13

COL. NAKALEMA DELIVERS KEY SPEECH AT UK-AFRICA BUSINESS SUMMIT, UGANDA LAUDED AS BEST INVESTMENT DESTINATION

The Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col. Edith Nakalema has underscored the role of transparency and accountability in promoting investments in a country. According to Col. Nakalema, investor confidence hinges on predictable regulation, fair processes and robust oversight. “Transparent governance reduces risk perception, lowers borrowing costs and mobilizes capital whereas accountability mechanisms deter misuse, thus strengthening institutional trust,” she said. Col. Nakalema made the remarks on Friday 12th September 2025 while delivering a closing message of assurance to investors on behalf of Uganda’s leadership during the UK-Africa Business Summit 2025, London. The UK-Africa Business Summit, Trade and investment was established to strengthen commercial, diplomatic and development ties between the UK and African nations. Now in its 15th year, the summit provides a high-level platform for government leaders, investors, entrepreneurs and diaspora stakeholders to explore trade and investment opportunities. She underscored Uganda’s commitment to protecting investors through an enabling investment climate created by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government through the able leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Col. Nakalema also revealed that as SHIPU, technology is key in their operations. “Digital documentation reduces physical paperwork, expedites processing times, and minimizes the potential for human error, whereas secure communication ensures the confidentiality and integrity of all exchanges protecting investors from potential cyber fraud. Real time investment insights also enable investors to receive immediate updates on the investment process, protection and support.” During the same event, Uganda was lauded as the best investment destination and SHIPU’s Investors Protection Portal (EIPP) was referred to as a great investment catalyst due to its efficiency. “Uganda’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) capture leads the East African Community with 24 percent of the total regional foreign direct investment between 2019-2023,” she added. “Uganda was consistently named Africa’s top investment destination by AIM UAE in both 2023 and 2024 and also the investment catalyst award at the Go Global Awards in 2023 by the International Trade Council. This reflects investor confidence in policy stability and market reforms.” Col. Nakalema further noted that as stakeholders, they can build a prosperity bridge between Uganda and the UK that transforms both economies while establishing new standards for international investment partnerships in Africa. In his welcome remarks, the founder and chairman, UK-Africa Summit, Mr. Willy Mutenza said this year's programme continues to build on their core priorities, with a sharper focus on practical solutions and partnerships that deliver measurable outcomes. “Our engagement now extends beyond our long-standing trade relationship with the UK to include new and dynamic partners in Türkiye, India, the Caribbean, and across Africa and Europe. In Africa, we are actively promoting intra-continental trade, supporting regional integration and growth led by African enterprises and institutions,” he said. “We meet at a critical moment for global trade. Renewed tariffs from the United States under President Trump, alongside shifting geopolitical alliances, are reshaping how business is done across borders.” Mr. Mutenza noted that despite these challenges, Africa’s resilience continues to define its outlook. “With expanding markets, a youthful population, and growing infrastructure, the continent holds vast potential for investors seeking long-term opportunity,” he said. “This summit brings together global and regional voices committed to that vision.” Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba - Deputy Governor Bank of Uganda also made a much-appreciated presentation on Uganda’s steadfast economic growth. The summit was also attended by Uganda’s senior leaders who included, the 1st Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Community Affairs, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, the Minister of State for Internal Affairs, Gen. David Muhoozi, the Permanent Secretary, Internal Affairs Ministry, Lt. Gen. Joseph Musanyufu, the Director Citizenship & Immigration Control, Maj. Gen. Apollo Kasiita-Gowa, Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Juliana Kagwa, among others.

2025-09-13

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI SET TO ASSUME CHAIRMANSHIP OF APR FORUM NEXT YEAR

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will assume the chairmanship of the African Peer Review (APR) Forum of Heads of State and Government in February 2026, a role that will see Uganda take the lead in guiding continental governance and development priorities. President Museveni will take over the chairmanship from Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. He will serve as Chairperson of the APR Forum for two years, from February 2026 to February 2028. The announcement was made today during a briefing at State House Entebbe with a delegation from the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Continental Secretariat, led by Ambassador Marie-Antoinette Rose Quatre, Secretariat’s Chief Executive Officer alongside Uganda’s APRM Focal Point, Hon. Amos Lugoloobi, Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development. The APR Forum of Heads of State and Government is the highest decision-making body of the African Peer Review Mechanism, bringing together African leaders to evaluate governance practices and promote political, economic, and corporate reforms across the continent. Ambassador Quatre, explained: “At the opening ceremony, H.E. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, President of Algeria and current Chairperson, will hand over the APRM and AU flags, as well as the gavel to Your Excellency.” “You will then deliver your inaugural statement as Chairperson, guide the closed Summit session, and later present the Forum’s report to the AU Summit.” She added that Uganda’s leadership will extend to various APRM structures. “Your Excellency, the APRM Focal Point of Uganda will automatically assume the Chairmanship of the APRM Focal Points Committee, while the National Governing Council and Secretariat will also take on leadership roles at continental level. We feel privileged that this great responsibility will be under your stewardship.” In his response, President Museveni welcomed the chairmanship, describing the APRM as a good initiative that allows African leaders to share ideas and correct historical mistakes. “I thank you for the brief. The APR was a good initiative because it gave us a chance to share ideas. The biggest mistake since independence has been the issue of ideas people were groping in the dark, touching here and there, and with a false sense of sovereignty, they feared that sharing ideas would be seen as interfering in internal affairs. As a result, we lost a lot of time until this opportunity came up,” the President said. President Museveni, drawing on six decades of political and economic observation, likened Africa’s challenges to Europe’s intellectual struggles during the renaissance. “I have been watching and involved for the last 60 years, and I have seen all sorts of conceptual mistakes. This is not new even Europe went through the same. At the time of the Renaissance, they ran up and down with confused ideas. Those who studied economics thought mercantilism was the solution, believing that if they had gold and silver, they had made it,” he said. The President noted that it took the writings of Adam Smith to correct this direction. “Smith pointed out that the critical issue was division of labour, specialization and exchange. Once that was understood, people began to wake up. It stressed micro-economic operations, which are the building blocks of wealth creation,” he explained. “That is why this APR platform is important; it gives us the opportunity to exchange and refine our thinking.” Looking ahead to the February session where he will chair, President Museveni highlighted market integration as a key aspect for discussion. “It will be good to audit in February, and I am sure market integration will be one of the ten points for discussion. If businesspeople don’t have a guaranteed market, how do they expand? That is the problem of Latin America. It has more resources than the USA; rivers, forests, minerals but because of poor organization, business cannot succeed. Meanwhile in the USA, if I produce a product in New York, it can reach California with ease, backed by numbers and purchasing power,” he explained. On industrialization, the President issued a stern warning against Africa’s continued export of raw materials. “Selling raw materials is a disaster. For every raw material you sell unprocessed, you are donating money and jobs. If you want copper, process it to 99.9% purity. Some can serve our local industries, and the rest can be exported. That way, we benefit through vertical and horizontal integration,” he said. He added that Africa’s competitiveness depends on reducing production costs. “You must have low transport costs, low electricity costs, and affordable bank credit. Without these, how can manufacturing survive?” the President emphasized. President Museveni also expressed confidence in Uganda’s readiness to chair the forum. “I am very happy and looking forward to this responsibility,” he said. Hon. Lugoloobi, in his remarks, praised the timeliness of Uganda’s preparations. “These consultations come at the right time as we align with continental initiatives such as the rationalization of African credit rating agencies and the African Migration Governance Conference, already approved by Cabinet,” he said. The Minister assured the delegation that the government had mobilized fully to support the President’s leadership. “We propose that during Uganda’s tenure, the Forum focuses on addressing the bottlenecks hindering social transformation including weak infrastructure, governance gaps and insecurity,” he said. Hon. Lugoloobi added that Kampala will automatically become the APRM Capital once President Museveni assumes the chairmanship. “We look forward to significant milestones that will cement Your Excellency’s legacy. With your leadership, we are certain the APRM will reach another level,” he said.

2025-09-12

CDF CUP: WINNING TEAM HANDS OVER TROPHIES TO SFC COMMANDER

The Elite force winning team has handed over all its trophies won during the 17th edition of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Cup Tournament to the Special Forces Command (SFC) leadership. SFC was crowned the overall champion of the 2025 CDF Cup after winning 13 prizes in this year’s tournament which was hosted by the Armoured Division in Masaka. The victory celebrations were held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the SFC Headquarters. In his address, the Commander SFC, Maj. Gen. David Mugisha, attributed the historic achievement to the guidance and encouragement of the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, whom he praised for nurturing talent, enforcing discipline, and strengthening the professional capacity of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). He said the CDF’s support through sports and range competitions, which drew 20 teams from across the UPDF, created a platform for talent growth and healthy competition. Maj. Gen. Mugisha commended his troops for their discipline and resilience, which enabled them to defeat all opponents and secure every prize in the competition. “This remarkable performance has elevated the name of SFC in UPDF sports history and truly reflects our motto, ASIYE KIFANI (Next to None),” he said. He urged the command to begin preparing for the 2026 edition while remaining focused on its core mandate of protecting the President, the First Lady, the First Family, and other Very Important Persons (VIPs). Brig. Gen. Richard Karemire, UPDF Joint Staff in charge Formal Education Sports and Culture, congratulated SFC on the victory and applauded the commander for hosting a memorable celebration. He revealed that his office is concluding on a big project that will see the commencement of the construction of Ruhengyere Primary school, alongside plans for a secondary school at SFC Headquarters in Entebbe. The SFC Chief of Staff, Brig. Gen. Paul Namawa, applauded the team for the job well done during the tournament. He noted that the only trophy missed was in the girls’ netball, where SFC did not field a team. “Otherwise, it would also have been here with us,” he remarked, while commending the Head of Sports and all players for their teamwork. Maj. Moses Kajimbi, who captained both the football and range teams in Masaka, thanked the leadership for trusting him with responsibility. “We train hard and push beyond limits not for individual glory, but for the pride of our mighty SFC,” he said. Lt. Bethel Muhereza, SFC Head of Sports and Education, credited the victory to rigorous training and preparatory friendlies that sharpened the football team. He thanked the leadership for consistent support in terms of welfare and resources. Among the prizes won were the Overall Winner’s Trophy, Football Trophy, Range Trophy, and several individual awards. Lt. Enid Kesaasi emerged as both the overall and female best shooter, while Edward Konde was named Best Football Player and Golden Gloves winner.

2025-09-12

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI UNVEILS REVOLUTIONARY ALL-TERRAIN FIREFIGHTING VEHICLE PROTOTYPE

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni yesterday unveiled Uganda's “Muliro/Moto Eater” prototype all-terrain firefighting vehicle to a diplomatic delegation from the embassies of the United States of America, the European Union, and Russia at State House, Entebbe The Muliro/Moto Eater is a revolutionary all-terrain solution designed to access challenging terrains where traditional fire engines cannot. The President stated, “As a man of war, I used to fight fires myself; we would put out fires using leafy branches and approach the fire from the back.” Drawing from his experience and military background, as well as observing wildfires televised worldwide, President Museveni explained that he developed an innovative idea for designing an armoured firefighting tank. This advancement aims not only to tackle bushfires across Uganda’s diverse landscapes but also, as a philanthropist, to extend help to other countries notably affected by wildfires. “I see wildfires as a significant problem in various parts of the world. In the USA, towns are often destroyed by wildfires, and similar situations have occurred in Greece, Australia, and Canada,” President Museveni observed. He further noted that aerial firefighting methods to combat wildfires are often ineffective because “the planes release only small amounts of water,” which is insufficient to control large-scale incidents. “As a philanthropist, I realised that I needed to help these people. Several years ago, I informed the former American Ambassador, Malac, about my proposal to design a cross-country land-based capacity vehicle that would be the most effective defence against wildfires compared to aircraft that do not have enough capacity,” he added. In 2023, President Museveni met with representatives from Marcé Industries to propose his innovative solution. Sharing his wealth of invaluable knowledge blended with indigenous expertise, he said, “As a fighter, I have acquired a lot of knowledge, so I combined my indigenous knowledge and fighting skills to design an armoured prototype firefighting vehicle.” During a presentation, Jan Petrus Steyn from Marcé Industries shared that, in collaboration with Specialized Concept, they accepted the challenge to design and develop this groundbreaking vehicle and subsequently built a prototype based on President Museveni’s concept. In December 2024, a delegation sent by H.E. President Museveni visited their factory to review the prototype, and a locust spray prevention system was added to the unit. The prototype possesses all-terrain capability, allowing it to operate on terrains inaccessible to standard fire trucks or vehicles, with a high speed of up to 60 km/h. It is equipped with rubber tracks suitable for both rugged terrain and normal roads, providing superior mobility that enables it to climb hills, navigate obstacles, and cross ditches. The inspection by the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) and the Ministry of Transport verified the vehicle, which Marcé Industries and Specialized Concept designed and manufactured at their own cost. During the unveiling of this new vehicle, President Museveni stated it marks a major step forward in Uganda's efforts to enhance its emergency services, providing a technologically advanced tool for tackling fires and other hazards, as well as promoting business and philanthropy to the outside world. The presentation ceremony was also attended by the Ugandan team, including Eng. Timothy Tibesigwa, Commissioner of Mechanical Engineering Services at the Ministry of Works and Transport; Eng. Jacob Lumonya, Assistant Commissioner in charge of Equipment; and Eng. Nobert Ogwal. The Marcé Industries team from South Africa included Jan Petrus Steyn, Sheila Nayebare, and Dick Muhwezi.

2025-09-11