President Museveni's Independence Day anniversary speech at Kololo Airstrip on Friday was remarkable as far as the economy is concerned.
The President's promise of a better future is exactly what Ugandans want to hear. We can't contest the significance of what he highlighted- the impressive economic growth (at seven per cent) with the months of July and August registering a trading surplus of $26m (Shs52b).
The President, however, left out some vital matters: the issue of national unity - the theme of this year's independence anniversary and a fundamental aspect of the overall security and development of any nation - and good governance.
An important event like Independence Day is the ideal time for Mr Museveni to pronounce himself on rising concerns regarding growing tribal tensions that, if not carefully handled, can tear the country apart. Ugandans need guidance on possible solutions to the country's problems.
This calls for a clear policy statement from the President about his strategy for promoting unity among Uganda's diverse ethnic groupings, addressing unemployment and tackling poverty, among others.
Following the recent riots in Buganda, President Museveni has shown willingness for dialogue, which is encouraging. The essence of national unity lies in dialogue. It is important that the President starts talking to those who have lost faith or are opposed to some of the policies of his government.
Ugandans, more than ever, desire good governance as a requisite to unity, stability and development. What, for instance, are the government's strategies to promote good governance and unity?
Despite various bodies set up to fight corruption, the vice is instead rising, perhaps a clear testimony that these institutions are not allowed to operate independently. The main impediments to development in this country are lack of proper institutional frameworks to ensure transparency and good governance.
The only way to steer this country towards a vibrant and functioning democracy where equitable and sustainable development can thrive is by building strong institutions that, through proper policies, will provide conducive environment for transparency and accountability that are key to good governance and development.
The people of Uganda can forge unity by recognising and appreciating their commonalities rather than searching for differences among different ethnic groups. Without unity and good governance, democracy and sustainable development will only remain rhetoric.
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Barriers to change can come in all forms and one of the most common and problematic criteria for success is to do with the intrinsic values of the leadership and population as a whole. It seems to me that the mindset required to embrace the establishment of good governance and strong public institutions is one which bases its views and judgements on the principles of true meritocracy, transparency, equality of opportunity and community self-help (among many others).
Whilst a leader may possess these values him or herself they cannot achieve these goals alone in the face of diametrically-opposite views, whether from within their own government or, indeed, among the wider population. Strength, as ever, comes with numbers and the resources they control. If a requisitely-skilled leader emerges then their choice of colleagues and co-governors is critical in order to create at the power centre a strong and stable core of like-minded individuals with the courage to sustain their efforts over the long-term - and prepared to maintain that long-term view in the face of immediate obstacles. Improvements in economic performance, unless accompanied by social and political change, may favour only the few
To change the mindset and behaviour of a nation may take a generation or two, during which time the focus needs to be placed on education in values from an early age, supported by appropraite role models and mentors.
How many leaders across the world have been capable and courageous enough to sustain such a long-term strategy?