Summary:

• President Museveni has called on Ugandans to remain vigilant against security threats posed by the ADF terrorist group based in the DRC, emphasizing the importance of inspecting suspicious packages, updating on government efforts to combat the ADF through air attacks, and highlighting ongoing successes in neutralizing suspected militants, while also outlining plans to lower business costs and promote industrialization in Uganda.

President Museveni has urged Ugandans to remain vigilant in the face of security threats posed by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a terrorist group based in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In his New Year message, Museveni advised citizens to be cautious when approached by strangers and emphasized the importance of inspecting any suspicious packages. He specifically recommended checking for unusual items, such as mobile phones placed in the middle of packages, and encouraged people to alert the police in case of any concerns.

Addressing the ongoing threat posed by the ADF, Museveni mentioned the government’s efforts to combat the group, primarily through air attacks from Uganda to the DRC. He acknowledged the challenges of securing the long and porous border but emphasized the necessity of maintaining open communication and collaboration with the people of Congo. Museveni highlighted the importance of intelligence gathering and internal mobilization as crucial elements in addressing the security situation.

The President also provided updates on the government’s success in neutralizing suspected ADF militants, particularly mentioning the reduction of a group from Congo known as Njovu – Kamusu. He reported that a significant number of individuals from this group had been captured or killed, leading to a decrease in their capacity to carry out attacks. Despite these victories, Museveni urged continued vigilance, emphasizing the need for the public to remain alert.

In addition to addressing security concerns, President Museveni discussed the government’s focus on economic development. He outlined plans to lower the costs of doing business in Uganda, with a particular emphasis on reducing expenses related to electricity, water, transportation, and borrowing from banks. Museveni expressed the intention to make Ugandan products more competitive in both domestic and international markets. The President underscored the broader goal of industrialization, utilizing the country’s diverse raw materials from agriculture, forestry, fisheries, minerals, and other sectors.