President Museveni Urges Ugandans to Use Local Council Systems for Accountability

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on Ugandans to actively utilize Local Council (LC) systems to demand accountability from their leaders, emphasizing their crucial role in ensuring effective service delivery and combating corruption.

His remarks were made during a thanksgiving ceremony for Hon. John Mulimba, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation, held at Nakhoola Primary School in Busia District on August 13, 2024.

Addressing the gathering, President Museveni underscored the importance of the Local Council system, stating, "NRM has empowered Ugandans with the strength to catch thieves, but you are not utilizing the system. We included LCI, LCII, LCIII, and LC5 in the administration to create a layer that would check on the misappropriation of funds and the stealing of drugs from hospitals." He urged citizens to use these structures to hold leaders accountable, particularly in relation to government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga.

The President also highlighted the role of leaders in supporting the government's education initiatives. He stressed the need for universal access to primary and secondary education, calling on Local Council leaders to ensure that all children attend school without obstruction.

"NRM wants all children to go to school without any sabotage. Chairman LC5, LC3, and LC1 must implement this program," Museveni stated, noting that school fees imposed by school committees and headteachers contribute to high dropout rates, which he does not support.

President Museveni also urged the people of Busia District to embrace modern commercial agriculture for both food security and income generation. He encouraged leaders to guide citizens on wealth creation, emphasizing that wealth is the result of hard work, not miracles. The President advised the youth to take advantage of initiatives like Emyooga to support their enterprises, especially if they lack land.

Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, who was also in attendance, highlighted the significance of good neighborliness, as delegations from neighboring countries participated in the event. She emphasized that their presence sent a strong message of Pan-Africanism and the unity of African people.

Hon. John Mulimba expressed his gratitude to President Museveni for the trust placed in him following his appointment as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. He also announced the defection of 1,400 former supporters of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), marking a significant political shift in the region.

The thanksgiving ceremony was graced by various dignitaries, including cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, members of the diplomatic corps, as well as religious and cultural leaders.a