Summary:
- President Museveni will address the nation on December 31, covering topics such as the First Lady’s recovery from COVID-19, plans for the NAM Summit, and key messages on issues like anti-homosexuality, counter-terrorism, wealth creation, corruption, and regional integration.
President Yoweri Museveni is set to deliver his year-end address to the nation on Sunday, December 31, 2023, according to his press team. The Presidential Press Unit (PPU) announced that the address will commence at 8 pm and will be broadcast live on radio, TV stations, and online platforms, encouraging widespread participation.
The President spent his Christmas holiday with his family in Rwakitura, located in Uganda’s western district of Kiruhura. Departing for Rwakitura on Christmas Eve, he was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni.
While in the countryside, President Museveni hosted General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, the former deputy chairman of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of Sudan. Museveni shared insights from their meeting on Sudan’s current situation on social media, accompanied by a photo of himself and his guest.
Several days after Christmas, the President revealed on social media that the First Lady had tested positive for COVID-19 during their stay in Rwakitura but reassured the public that she is recovering well. President Museveni reported a negative test result for himself.
In a related development, President Museveni announced that the upcoming 19th NAM Summit in Kampala, which Uganda is hosting along with the Third South Summit, will not enforce mandatory COVID-19 testing for delegates. The decision, he explained, arose from consultations with NAM stakeholders who expressed concerns about exposing their DNA.
Reflecting on his end-of-year engagement with the media at State House Entebbe, President Museveni touched on various topics. He addressed pressure from the West regarding Uganda’s anti-homosexuality stance, emphasizing Uganda’s resilience and economic growth. The President also thanked DR Congo President Felix Tshisekedi for collaboration in countering terrorism, urged vigilance during the festive season, and emphasized intelligence over roadblocks at the border.
On the domestic front, President Museveni encouraged wealth creation through commercial agriculture, specifically promoting the four-acre model. He underscored the collective responsibility in the fight against corruption, noting that the corrupt are a minority, and everyone should participate in combating the vice. Regarding regional integration, Museveni stressed its importance for collective success.
In conclusion, President Museveni wished everyone a joyful end to 2023 and a happy 2024 in his comprehensive year-end message.
