Minister Musasizi's remarks were directed at Rubanda District Woman MP Prossy Mbabazi Akampurira, during the 54-year celebrations of Kakore Rugambwa Parish in Rubanda District.
The State Minister of Finance, Henry Musasizi, has urged leaders and citizens to focus on performance and tangible results delivered by political leaders rather than years spent in office.
Minister Musasizi's remarks were directed at Rubanda District Woman MP Prossy Mbabazi Akampurira, during the 54-year celebrations of Kakore Rugambwa Parish in Rubanda District.
Musasizi, also the MP for Rubanda East, stressed that Ugandan politics must evolve beyond traditional views of leadership based on tenure, prioritizing instead the impact and development that leaders bring to their constituencies.
"It's time to shift away from counting years in leadership and focus on performance," he said.
Ealier, Ms Mbabazi has suggested that before she is asked to leave Parliament, voters should first address leaders who have been in power for extended periods.
Ms Mbabazi, also a Commissioner of Parliament, has been facing it rough with the Rubanda electorate since March when it emerged that she had pocketed Shs400m as service award.
The Minister's statement taps into a longstanding public debate over leaders who have remained in office for many years, with criticisms often directed at both ministers and President Museveni, who has held the presidency for nearly four decades.
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In his address as guest of honour, Musasizi pointed to the development in Rubanda East during his 15-year tenure as Member of Parliament.
He highlighted improvements in infrastructure, including roads, hospitals, and schools, as evidence of his commitment to progress.
"For the 15 years I have been MP for Rubanda East, I have worked on roads, hospitals, and schools. It's important that people focus on what has been achieved, not how long I've been here," Musasizi remarked.
Challenging his critics, Musasizi added, "Those who say I've been in Parliament too long should compete with me on performance, not on how many years I've served."
Ms Mbabazi is serving her second term in office.
As the 2026 general elections approach, Musasizi declared his intention to run for re-election as Rubanda East legislator, urging his supporters to back him and ensure President Museveni's continued leadership.
"I call on you, people of Rubanda, to stand with me in the 2026 elections, and let's ensure my boss, President Museveni, is re-elected," he stated.
In his speech, Musasizi also revealed government plans to tarmac key roads in the region, including the Hamurwa-Kerere-Kanungu road and the Katuna-Muko-Bufundi road, which would further boost local development.
The minister also touched on the issue of domestic violence, attributing it to widespread poverty.
He called for concerted efforts to address the root causes of violence in households and improve the economic conditions in communities.
Musasizi's comments are likely to fuel ongoing discussions about leadership performance and longevity in Uganda's political sphere as the country gears up for another election cycle.
