President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reiterated his call for Ugandans to effectively utilize Local Council (LC) systems to enhance service delivery and demand accountability from leaders.
Speaking at the thanksgiving ceremony for John Mulimba, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation, Museveni emphasized the importance of engaging with the LC systems to monitor government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga.
"NRM has empowered Ugandans with the tools to address corruption, but many are not using the system effectively. We established LCI, LCII, LCIII, and LC5 to provide oversight on fund misappropriation and theft of medical supplies. Utilize these LC systems to ensure accountability in government programs," he advised.
Museveni also urged leaders at all levels to support the NRM government's Universal Primary and Secondary Education programs.
"The NRM aims for all children to attend school without obstacles. Chairpersons of LC5, LC3, and LC1 must enforce this program," he stressed.
He highlighted that although Universal Primary Education (UPE) was introduced in 1997 with government support for infrastructure, teacher salaries, and capitation grants, school committees and head teachers still charge fees, causing student dropouts.
"I do not support this practice. If current funding is insufficient, we will increase it," Museveni said.
The President also encouraged residents of Busia district to engage in modern commercial agriculture for food and financial security and advised leaders to guide citizens on wealth creation.
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"You must engage in wealth creation. There is no miracle for wealth; it requires hard work," he emphasized.
He recommended that youth without land use initiatives like Emyooga to support their enterprises.
"I understand the youth might feel land is controlled by parents, so my advice is for parents to use their land for family prosperity, while youth can explore other channels like Emyooga for land-light enterprises," Museveni said.
He urged leaders to assist youth in accessing Emyooga funds and finding workspaces, stressing the need for serious commitment.
Vice President Jessica Alupo acknowledged the value of good neighborliness, noting the presence of delegations from neighboring countries at the event, which underscored Pan-Africanism and unity among African people.
Mulimba, the event host, expressed gratitude to God for the blessings in his life, including the support of family and friends. He also thanked President Museveni for the trust and appointment as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
"I do not take this ministerial appointment or your presence at this thanksgiving for granted. Out of Uganda's 45 million people, only 81 are in the cabinet. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to serve our country," Mulimba said.
He also pledged to serve with integrity and announced that 1,400 former supporters of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) had joined the NRM.
