Now that the new president has been sworn in for the 2026-2031 term, the end of the election period marks the beginning of a new Kisanja work period.
In the concluding 2021-2026 term, Uganda registered many achievements despite a few challenges, notably corruption. Some Ugandans we spoke to while covering the swearing-in ceremonies and gathering public views on the concluded Kisanja, as well as expectations for the new term, confirmed these achievements.
Most of the people we interviewed cited peace as the primary benefit, saying it had enabled them to start various businesses such as farming and to access start-up capital through initiatives like Emyooga and the Parish Development Model (PDM). They also pointed to the improved road network, which has eased the transportation of goods and services.
Many explained that these initiatives enabled them to start projects such as piggery farming, poultry enterprises, salons, and vegetable and fruit businesses, giving them income and employment opportunities, exactly the outcome President Museveni intended when introducing these programmes.
Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn
President Museveni launched initiatives such as Emyooga and the Parish Development Model to promote wealth creation and job generation among Ugandans.
The people who listened to the president's advice and embraced government programmes say they do not regret doing so. Instead, many expressed gratitude for the guidance and opportunities created through these initiatives.
Joyce Nansubuga is one such beneficiary of the concluded Kisanja. She told us she received Parish Development Model funds and chickens that transformed her life. Joyce shared her story when we caught up with her on her way to Kololo Ceremonial Grounds to witness the swearing-in of the newly elected President, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Other Ugandans are also benefiting from newly constructed modern markets across the country. These markets have provided traders with organised and comfortable spaces where they can sell their goods freely instead of operating on the streets.
One man, whom I will call Peter, told us he was happy to receive free space in Wandegeya Market after years of being chased from the streets. He explained that he can now sell his shoes peacefully without fear of arrest or harassment, which had become common while he operated informally on the roadside.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
Peter said he could no longer count how many times he had been arrested while selling shoes on the streets before relocating to the market.
Judith Bukirwa, a retailer in Wandegeya Market, also shared her experience. She explained that the market saved her from landlords who used to confiscate her goods because of rent arrears. Judith said she now operates with peace of mind, knowing no one will seize her merchandise since she works in the market free of charge after President Museveni halted market dues.
We captured both Judith and Peter's views while filming public opinions on the presidential swearing-in ceremony at Wandegeya Market.
It is now time for the estimated 33% of Ugandans who are still outside the money economy to join the 65% already participating in it by taking advantage of the peace and government programmes available. These include wealth creation initiatives such as Emyooga and PDM, Presidential Skilling Hubs, modern markets, the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) programme, and the Agricultural Credit Facility.
Since this is the Kisanja of "No More Sleep," as the president stated in his first speech of the new term, Ugandans should wake up and take advantage of government programmes and infrastructure developments such as roads, electricity, and water to fight poverty in their homes and communities, because no one will do it for us except ourselves.
It is high time Ugandans listened to the president's advice if we are to transform our lives and advance our country's development.
