Kyakunda Sharon

I thank the cultural leaders for the fruitful discussions over the last two days. The Government will support their proposals. For example, in line with their commitment to strengthen research, Government research institutions, such as Kawanda, Namulonge and Serere, can support the work of cultural institutions and reduce unnecessary duplication through the establishment of separate research centres. Furthermore, we must preserve our languages, cultures and useful traditions while rejecting harmful practices. For instance, wife inheritance must be by consent, not force. I thank them and wish them good luck.

On the sidelines of the Cultural Leaders Conference, I received the Vice President of Tanzania, His Excellency, Deogratius John Ndejembi, who delivered a special message from Her Excellency, President Samia Suluhu Hassan. We discussed the economic integration of our two countries and infrastructure development, particularly the oil pipeline. As I have always emphasised, our prosperity depends on working together, expanding trade and developing infrastructure that connects our economies.

While addressing the traditional and cultural leaders, I emphasised that our indigenous societies had strong foundations in agriculture, livestock, crafts, medicine and other specialised occupations (Emyooga). However, tribal chauvinism and lack of integration weakened us. That is why the NRM emphasises patriotism and Pan Africanism. You need Uganda and Africa for your prosperity. Our cultural leaders have an important role in preserving our languages, culture and indigenous knowledge, while leaving politics and administration to elected leaders. We must reject the colonial mentality that makes Africans despise their own heritage. I am looking forward to continued discussions tomorrow.

Today at State House Entebbe, I am hosting Their Majesties and other cultural leaders from across Uganda at the Cultural Leaders Conference. I look forward to fruitful discussions about how our cultural institutions can promote unity, preserve our heritage and contribute to Uganda’s development.

Today at State House Entebbe, I met Egyptian investors led by our Deputy Head of Mission in Egypt, Lt. Gen. Charles Angina (Rtd). I encouraged them to invest in our economy, particularly in electricity, railways, irrigation and toll roads. We produce a lot from agriculture, minerals and forests, but we must add value to these products and have affordable infrastructure so our goods can compete in the global market. I welcome their proposal to establish an industrial park for processing coffee, cotton and other products.

Today, I met with Johan Borgstam, the European Union Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region. We discussed the situation in the Congo and the need for dialogue among the different actors to achieve lasting peace in eastern DRC. I welcome him.

This evening I bid farewell to the outgoing Iranian Ambassador to Uganda, H.E.Majid Saffar. We discussed our cooperation in agriculture, healthcare and education, including opportunities in agro-processing, the supply of seeds and fertilisers, agricultural machinery, and investment. We also discussed expanding medical ties, building on existing partnerships with institutions such as the Uganda Police. I commend him for a successful tour of duty, strengthening our mutual relations. I wish him good luck in his future assignments.

Today, I welcomed H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia. We discussed matters concerning our two countries, especially the security situation in Somalia. Somalia will soon receive our value added coffee, which is a step in the right direction. I thank his Excellency Mohamud for this support.

Today, I thanked the people of Sheema and greater Ankole for supporting the NRM in the recent elections. I also thanked Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu for organising the thanksgiving ceremony.

Today at Entebbe, I met Mr Nicolas Tamari, CEO of SUCAFINA Group, under which UGACOF LTD is operating locally. We discussed investment opportunities, particularly value addition to our coffee.

This week, I commissioned military facilities and equipment at Kalama, Entebbe, Kalangalo and Magamaga under our defence cooperation with Russia. I thank President Putin and the Russian people for this support, including the $53 million mechanised repair facility at Magamaga. We must not only acquire good equipment but also learn to maintain, repair and eventually manufacture it here. I have encouraged our military to embrace science and technology, including AI and automation, to strengthen our defence capabilities. Our cooperation with Russia should help us build local capacity, protect our sovereignty and strengthen our ability to defend Uganda.

I particularly thank the CDF and his commanders for fighting corruption in the army and improving the welfare of our soldiers. I am following the improvements in barracks and pay, but the fight against corruption is especially important because it directly affects the welfare of our men and women in uniform. To the new officers, remain disciplined, stay close to the people and serve Uganda with honour.

Today, I commissioned 280 Officer Cadets at Kabamba. I congratulate the officers and thank their families and the UPDF leadership for guiding them through their training. A strong defence requires a strong economy, well trained soldiers, investment in science and technology, and cooperation with our brother African countries. The UPDF must also protect wealth creators and help combat crime and sabotage in our communities.

I hosted their Excellencies the EU Ambassadors, led by H.E. Jan Sadek, the EU Ambassador to Uganda, today at State House Entebbe for our Partnership Dialogue. I emphasised that Europe should support Africa to process its raw materials, add value and create jobs. When we earn more from our products, we also create a bigger market for European goods. This is how we become partners in prosperity rather than victims of cooperation. We also discussed support for PDM, irrigation, wetland protection and affordable electricity for manufacturing. Africa’s prosperity is good for everyone, and our cooperation should be based on mutual benefit and respect for each other’s sovereignty. I thank them for coming and I enjoyed our long discussion.

Yesterday, I met with medical interns and leaders of the Uganda Medical Association, led by their President, Dr. Frank Asiimwe, at State House Entebbe. I committed to supporting the UMA SACCO to enable health workers to access affordable credit, upgrade their skills and create opportunities to employ themselves. This is a practical way of empowering our medical professionals. I also directed that the policy requiring medical students to complete internship before graduating be corrected. Graduation and housemanship are separate processes, and we should not waste time by mixing the two. On interns’ allowances, we shall continue consultations while ensuring that our decisions are guided by affordability and sustainability. I also support the proposal for tax relief for health workers and improved access to essential, life supporting items. Our goal is to build a strong health sector with skilled, motivated and empowered professionals who can deliver quality healthcare to all Ugandans.

Dear Ugandans, especially the Bazukulu, on the occasion of Uganda’s 64th Independence Anniversary, I congratulate all of you. Since 1986, we have worked to overcome the wasted years of conflict and economic decline, moving from recovery to expansion and diversification, and now to knowledge based production, including electric vehicles and pharmaceuticals. Our task is not yet complete. We must address key challenges: congestion and heavy cargo on our roads by expanding rail, pipelines and lake transport; poverty, by bringing more households into the money economy through programmes like PDM; value addition to our agricultural products and minerals; drought through expanded irrigation and finally, fuel price shocks by strengthening our own distribution systems and promoting exports. I urge our political, religious and cultural leaders to join the effort to ensure that every household creates wealth and improves its livelihood. Yes, we have made progress, but we must work harder to secure Uganda’s economic transformation. I thank you.