Kampala, Uganda: President Yoweri Museveni has issued a stern warning against corruption in public service, declaring that the selling of government jobs and theft of medicines from public hospitals must stop immediately.
Speaking on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Kololo to four groups: former members of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Muslim supporters, students from higher institutions under Sauti ya Vijana, and the Unstoppable group, who had gathered to pledge their support ahead of the January 15 general elections.
The President said corruption at district and institutional level was directly undermining service delivery and hurting ordinary Ugandans. “Selling jobs at district level and stealing drugs from hospitals must stop. This kind of corruption is unacceptable because it directly affects the people,” Museveni said.
He called on citizens, especially the youth, to work with the government in exposing and rejecting corrupt practices, saying accountability must start from the grassroots.
On government’s free education policy, Museveni urged the groups to help the government enforce free education in public schools, warning that illegal fees charged to parents defeat the purpose of state investment in education.
“I want you to work with us to ensure free education in government schools. No child should be sent away or charged illegally,” he said.
He stressed that community vigilance and responsible leadership were key to ensuring that policies passed in Kampala are fully implemented at the local level.
The President also challenged voters to elect leaders who can effectively follow up government programmes, including monitoring the availability of medicines in health facilities and ensuring education policies are respected.
Museveni said poor leadership at local level often explains why government interventions fail to reach intended beneficiaries. “You must elect leaders who can follow up these programmes properly, leaders who ensure drugs are in hospitals and that free education is actually implemented,” he said.
He noted that decentralisation gives local leaders power and responsibility, and failure to perform should be blamed on leadership rather than government policy.
Reiterating the NRM’s long-standing message on wealth creation, Museveni urged every household to join the money economy through the Parish Development Model (PDM) and other government programmes.
He said Uganda’s economy continues to register steady growth, with production improving across sectors. “Uganda is doing well. Our economy is growing steadily, and we now have a surplus in most products,” Museveni said.
He encouraged the youth and organised groups to mobilise communities to take advantage of PDM, Emyooga and related initiatives, arguing that household income growth is the foundation of national transformation.
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