President Yoweri Museveni has painted a picture of peace, stability and economic activity in Uganda as the country marked Christmas.
In his Christmas message addressed to Ugandans, he said the festive season found the nation calm and markets well supplied.
“It is gratifying that Uganda is celebrating Christmas when the whole country is peaceful and there is a lot of agricultural and industrial production. The shops are full and the markets are full,” the President said in a statement.
He specifically praised and congratulated the youth, whom he fondly refers to as Bazzukulu, during the Christmas season.
“Fellow Ugandans, especially the Bazzukulu, greetings. Maama Janet and I congratulate all of you as you celebrate the birth of Christ more than 2,000 years ago,” he said.
Museveni said it was gratifying that the country was celebrating the birth of Christ “when the whole country is peaceful and there is a lot of agricultural and industrial production.”
He added that shops and markets across Uganda were full, an indication, he said, of steady economic activity and improved production.
The President delivered the message alongside First Lady Janet Museveni, congratulating Ugandans for reaching another Christmas season more than 2,000 years after the birth of Christ.
He framed the holiday as a moment for gratitude, reflection and national unity, noting that peace remains a critical foundation for economic and social progress.
Museveni acknowledged, however, that not all Ugandans are fully integrated into the money economy.
He estimated that about 30 per cent of the population still depends largely on subsistence activities, describing them as those working outside formal cash-based systems.
Despite this, he said the government has already laid out pathways to support this segment of the population and help them transition into income-generating activities.
“The way-out for them is well laid out and the resources to support the process are available and up-scalable (PDM, Emyooga, ghetto funds, bodaboda fund, etc),” the statement reads.
According to the President, the programmes are designed to address poverty and expand economic participation at the grassroots.
He said these initiatives are scalable and backed by resources, arguing that they provide a clear framework for uplifting households that remain economically vulnerable.
Museveni also addressed the issue of corruption, particularly in the implementation of government programmes.
He maintained that corruption persists largely where it goes unreported, insisting that once cases are exposed, action is taken.
He cited past examples to reinforce his point, suggesting that accountability mechanisms are effective when citizens and institutions play their role.
Looking ahead, the President struck an optimistic tone, saying Uganda’s future remains bright.
He urged Ugandans to continue praying for peace, not only within the country but across the African continent.
Museveni linked regional stability to economic growth, noting that stronger economic and political integration in Africa would help address issues such as access to markets for African products and services, as well as shared security concerns.
As part of his Christmas message, Museveni extended goodwill wishes to families across the country, encouraging them to use the festive season to strengthen social bonds.
“Happy Christmas and a prosperous and peaceful 2026 and beyond,” his statement concluded.
by JAMES GICHIGI
