President Museveni leaves Kololo Independence Grounds, Kampala after attending the election of new parliamentary leadership on May 25, 2026. PHOTO/ PPU
A visibly agitated President Museveni has issued a stern ultimatum to his incoming cabinet, vowing to summarily dismiss any government minister who fails to effectively implement wealth creation programs meant to lift millions of Ugandans out of poverty.
Speaking on Monday at the Kololo Independence Grounds during the first sitting of the 12th Parliament, the head of state declared that his patience with underperforming and self-serving leaders had completely run out. The address, marked by uncharacteristic bluntness, sets a demanding tone for his seventh presidential term, which he recently christened "Term No Sleep."
A Shift from 'preacher' to enforcer
Addressing the freshly sworn-in legislators, the Vice President, and parliamentary leadership, President Museveni expressed deep frustration that despite billions of shillings channeled into poverty alleviation initiatives, a vast section of the population remains trapped in economic stagnation. He squarely blamed this failure on local and national leaders who lack empathy and diligence.
"I don't want to hear that there is poverty in the homestead that has not accessed this money if they have the land," Museveni warned. "I demand this. And anybody who is a minister, if I come to your area and I find that you have not done it, I will sack you."
The President emphasized that the era of gentle reminders is officially over, drawing a sharp contrast between his past leadership style and his current disposition.
"All these years, we have been introducing programs for the poor people... Now I'm in a position to really be very rough with people who want a level of leadership, but don't care about the people they lead," he said. "In the past, I've been polite. I talk as if I'm a preacher like John the Baptist. But now, as President of Uganda and Chairman of the NRM, I will be very, very, very rough with the people who want titles, but don't want to help, or who betray the people they lead."
Doubling down on the Parish Development Model
Central to the President’s economic enforcement strategy is the Parish Development Model (PDM), the government’s flagship grassroots development initiative. Mr Museveni revealed plans to scale up financial allocations, announcing an increase in PDM funding from Shs 100 million to Shs 200 million annually per parish.
“I am now in a very bad mood. "Because in the past, my case was not so strong because people would say 'how do we start?' But now capital is there, Shs 800 million in each parish already. Use it,"Museveni told the gathering.
The shadow of corruption and the fall of the Speaker
The President’s fiery rhetoric comes at a politically charged moment, as the state moves aggressively against high-profile corruption within the legislature. The opening of the 12th Parliament marks a dramatic transition of power, following intense investigations into the former Speaker of Parliament, Ms Anita Annet Among.
Ms. Among, who assumed the speakership in 2022, is currently facing a rigorous probe regarding illicit wealth accumulation and abuse of office. The investigation, reportedly sanctioned directly by President Museveni and heavily backed by the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, escalated significantly on May 16. State operatives executed coordinated raids on her Nakasero residence, followed by searches at her properties in Kigo and Bukedea, as well as her parliamentary office. Multiple items were seized as potential prosecution exhibits.
During her tenure, Ms. Among drew public scrutiny for her opulent lifestyle, characterized by designer clothing, luxury vehicle collections, and rapid real estate expansion. Her philanthropic donations frequently rivaled or surpassed the financial dispensations of the presidency itself.
Public anger regarding parliamentary spending peaked in 2023 following the online "#ParliamentExhibition" organized by the civic group Agora, which exposed systemic financial mismanagement, dubious procurement, and excessive per diems within the House.
A new era for Parliamentary leadership
The fallout from the anti-corruption crackdown has reshaped the leadership of the 12th Parliament. Mr. Jacob Marksons Oboth has assumed the role of Speaker, assisted by his deputy, Mr. Thomas Tayebwa. Both belong to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The duo now faces the monumental task of restoring public confidence in an institution deeply stained by allegations of institutionalized greed and tone-deaf leadership. While presiding over their election, Museveni did not mince words, explicitly warning the new leadership against the diversion of public resources.
However, political analysts remain skeptical about whether the President will fully execute his threats. Skeptics point back to the 2023 Karamoja iron sheets scandal, where several cabinet ministers were caught diverting relief materials meant for vulnerable communities. Despite promising decisive political action at the time, Museveni allowed the implicated ministers to retain their portfolios through the end of the previous term.
Ebola warning curbs celebrations
In addition to economic and political warnings, President Museveni abruptly halted the celebratory mood at Kololo over health concerns, following a surge in physical contact among legislators.
Admonishing MPs for hugging and shaking hands following the leadership elections, the President reminded the assembly of a brewing regional health threat, noting that the Ministry of Health had confirmed two new cases of Ebola on Monday.
"Do you know there is Ebola? Why do you hug? Is there a danger? Please set an example," Museveni urged, referencing transmission risks linked to the ongoing outbreak in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo. "Stop this shaking of hands and all this."
