President Museveni’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) yesterday painted a rosy picture of a country transformed by four decades of NRM rule, highlighting economic growth, wealth creation, and peace. However, several critical issues currently dominating public discourse were conspicuously absent from his address. The speech delivered at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds to officially open the first session of the 12th Parliament, largely focused on agriculture, wealth creation, and economic transformation. But many Ugandans had expected the President to provide guidance on pressing national challenges.
One of the most notable omissions was the Ebola outbreak. The disease has already claimed lives and triggered public health measures across the country, including restrictions on large gatherings. The President delivered his address under strict attendance controls aimed at preventing the spread of Ebola. Yet throughout the speech, he did not mention the outbreak or outline government efforts to contain it. Beyond Ebola, stakeholders had anticipated updates on broader challenges in the health sector, including concerns surrounding medical interns, staffing shortages, and healthcare financing. These issues were not addressed. Corruption, another issue that has dominated national debate in recent weeks, also received limited attention.
Corruption
Although the President reiterated his commitment to fighting corruption, he did not directly address ongoing investigations involving former Speaker Anita Among. Critics argue that while corruption continues to cost Uganda trillions of shillings annually, the President stopped short of outlining concrete measures his government intends to implement to tackle the vice. Security matters similarly received little attention. Unlike previous State of the Nation Addresses, where the President detailed security priorities and regional stability efforts, this year’s speech mentioned security only briefly in the context of political and economic integration within Africa.
The tourism sector, which the government views as a key driver of the country’s Tenfold Growth Strategy aimed at expanding Uganda’s economy to $500 billion by 2050, was also left out. Industry players had hoped for assurances on government plans to boost tourist arrivals and strengthen the sector’s contribution to national development.
Education stakeholders were equally left unsatisfied . The sector continues to face numerous challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortages, salary disparities, and overcrowded classrooms. Yet the President offered no detailed assessment of the sector’s status or priorities for the next five years.
The word “education” appeared only three times in the speech, with references largely linked to historical accounts and proposed legislation.
Observers also noted the absence of discussion on science, technology, and innovation, sectors that the government has consistently identified as central to economic transformation. Significant public resources have been invested in scientific research and innovation projects, but the President did not provide updates on progress or future plans.
Oil sector
Another major omission was Uganda’s oil and gas sector. The President has frequently used public addresses to update citizens on the progress of oil projects. With first oil production expected in the coming weeks and fuel prices remaining a concern, expectations were high that he would address developments in the sector. However, the President made no mention of oil production timelines, fuel prices, or the broader energy sector.
Infrastructure development also received less attention. While the President provided updates on ongoing projects, he did not announce any major new road projects or transport infrastructure initiatives. Environmental concerns also failed to feature prominently in the address. As the President spoke at Kololo, authorities were reportedly carrying out evictions of residents from wetlands in Busabala. Despite his longstanding advocacy for wetland conservation, the issue was not mentioned. Questions surrounding human rights and the rule of law also remained unaddressed.
The speech came amid continued public concern over allegations of abductions, prolonged detention of political opponents, and broader governance issues. Critics had expected the President to comment on these matters, particularly given the continued detention of Opposition figure Kizza Besigye following his arrest in Nairobi, Kenya in November 2023. Other areas that received little or no attention included natural resources management, agro-industrialisation, and unemployment.