President Yoweri Museveni has hailed Uganda\u2019s remarkable political and economic progress over the past four decades, pointing to a $60 billion economy, 7% growth rate, expanded local production, and the imminent start of oil production as key milestones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking at Kololo Independence Grounds during National Liberation Day celebrations themed \u201cA Tribute to the Patriots Who Ushered in the Fundamental Change,\u201d the President outlined five pivotal economic stages that have shaped the nation\u2019s journey: initial recovery and expansion, diversification, value addition, and the transition toward a knowledge-based economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Museveni noted that local industries now satisfy 65% of domestic demand for goods, driven by strong growth in agriculture, manufacturing, services, and information and communications technology (ICT).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With Uganda\u2019s oil projects entering production phase, he forecasted double-digit economic growth in the current year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He stressed the urgency of bringing the remaining 30% of the population into the formal money economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The President reiterated the government\u2019s dedication to key social programs, including universal free education, free healthcare services, a nationwide road maintenance initiative, and broader efforts to generate wealth and employment opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He issued a firm warning against corruption\u2014particularly misuse of funds under the Parish Development Model (PDM)\u2014declaring zero tolerance and directing immediate reforms to guarantee that resources reach the intended recipients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As part of the commemorations, 33 distinguished individuals were recognized for their service to national development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Among the honorees were Justice Emeritus Ralph Ochan, Mr. Barot Harshad Maganbai, Ms. Teddy Naluwu, Dr. Steven Watiti, Ms. Violet Kekitanda, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Francis Okello, Brig. Gen. Kefa Nangeso, Col. Moses Ikuret, Hajji Bogere Abdu, and ASP Masaba Moses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The awardees received various honors, including the Crested Crane\u2013Grand Commander, National Independence Diamond Jubilee Medal, Nalubale Medal, Masaba Star, and Meritorious Service Award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In his address, Museveni cautioned undisciplined members of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and opposition figures exhibiting \u201cterroristic tendencies\u201d against any actions that could jeopardize the country\u2019s gains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He underscored that continued unity, adherence to the law, and collective vigilance remain vital to preserving and building on Uganda\u2019s achievements.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
President Yoweri Museveni has hailed Uganda\u2019s remarkable political and economic progress over the past four decades, pointing to a $60 billion economy, 7% growth rate, expanded local production, and the imminent start of oil production as key milestones. Speaking at Kololo Independence Grounds during National Liberation Day celebrations themed \u201cA Tribute to the Patriots Who […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8864,"featured_media":41837,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":{"format":"standard"},"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_paywall_metabox":[],"jnews_override_counter":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[356,101,9497,822,98],"tags":[31,8935,137,109,160,119],"class_list":["post-41836","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-big-story","category-business","category-jnews_demo_business","category-markets","category-news","tag-featured","tag-liberation-day","tag-museveni","tag-news","tag-nrm","tag-uganda-news"],"yoast_head":"\n