Parliament to Thank President Museveni for SONA

Parliament of Uganda is expected to thank President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni this afternoon for his clear and precise State of the Nation speech.

This is according to the order paper ahead of the Plenary on Thursday afternoon. According to Parliament, the President clearly outlined government policy during his address.

On 6th June 2024, the President, in his capacity, addressed the country on its state. In his address, the President tackled a number of issues ranging from security to economic development. He was particularly concerned with the levels of corruption in the country.

The President said that he had discovered a racket of corruption involving Parliamentarians and Ministry of Finance staff. Since his revelation, five MPs have been remanded to Luzira Prison on corruption-related charges.

“The fourth NRM ideological principle is democracy. Real democracy for empowering the people to grow. Not cheap popularity that the neo-colonial agents use to manipulate the people.” President Museveni said in his State of the Nation Address.

Additionally, the President also tackled the challenges faced in Uganda’s bid to leapfrog poverty. He advocated for African integration to achieve this. According to President Museveni, a more united African market can negotiate with other countries for market access.

“There are, however, still some trade barriers in the EAC. These are really roadblocks to our prosperity. All the East Africans should work to remove these bottlenecks by fully implementing the common market protocols and the Customs Union protocols so that the fragmented markets of Africa become one market.” President Museveni said in his State of the Nation Address.

Parliament Plenary program today

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja is expected to move the motion. It will be seconded by Emely Kugonza (Buyanja East County) and Agnes Kunihira Abwoli (Worker’s Representative).

Prior to Parliament’s appreciation of the President, Leader of Opposition in Parliament Joel Ssenyonyi will respond to the President’s speech. It should be remembered that Ssenyonyi, alongside other opposition MPs, boycotted the state event in June. However, Ssenyonyi says his response to Museveni’s speech had been prepared a fortnight before the event. This is because the President’s speeches are always the same and predictable.