The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) joined the rest of the country to commemorate the 40th Liberation Day at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala, marking four decades since the National Resistance Movement/Army ushered in what is widely described as a fundamental change in Uganda’s political and socio-economic trajectory.

Held under the theme “Tribute to Our Patriots Who Ushered in the Fundamental Change,” the ceremony attracted national leaders, senior military officers, religious and cultural leaders, and members of the public.

In his address, the President and Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Kaguta Museveni, said Uganda’s economy is currently growing at about seven percent, attributing the progress to deliberate policy choices aimed at strengthening domestic production.

“Our economy is now growing at about seven percent, and Ugandan supermarkets are stocking almost 75 percent locally produced goods. In the past, it was nearly 100 percent imported,” President Museveni said.

Reflecting on the country’s transition to a money-based economy, the President noted that significant progress had been made over the years. He said that by 2019, only 39 percent of households were not yet participating in the money economy, a situation that informed his decision to introduce direct financial support to citizens through the Parish Development Model (PDM).

“That is when I decided we should give money directly to the people,” he said, adding that while most beneficiaries had used the funds appropriately, some had diverted the money.

President Museveni stressed that access to PDM funds must be guided by inclusivity and transparency, calling for decisions to be made through general parish meetings. “PDM must be discussed in a meeting of the whole parish, especially for those who want to fight poverty, as long as he or she is above 18 years,” he said.

He announced plans to amend the PDM guidelines to allow for increased funding, particularly in urban areas. “We are going to amend the rules, and more money will be added. In towns, between Shs 400 million and Shs 500 million will be allocated,” he said.

The President issued a stern warning to parish officials accused of frustrating the programme and urged citizens to actively join parish SACCOs. “Go and be members of the parish SACCO. Any parish chief who does not cooperate with this programme should be arrested. Some parish chiefs have already been arrested because of selfishness,” he said.

On corruption, President Museveni warned National Resistance Movement members involved in the misuse of PDM funds that they would face severe consequences. He said such individuals would be removed from leadership positions and compelled to refund the misappropriated funds, reiterating the government’s policy of zero tolerance for corruption.

The President further said government efforts are focused on shifting Uganda’s economic model towards inclusive growth, with targeted interventions for unemployed university graduates and vulnerable groups. “We want everyone to benefit from the economy, including graduates who have stayed unemployed for two years,” he said, citing initiatives such as ghetto funds, road rehabilitation on both murram and tarmac roads, expanded access to education where resources permit, and strengthened health services.

He reaffirmed that Uganda’s development priorities remain agro-industrialisation, tourism, and value addition, noting that these sectors hold the greatest potential for job creation and income growth. “These are the sectors that will create jobs, raise incomes, and move more Ugandans into the formal economy,” he said.

Commenting on the recently concluded elections in which he garnered over eight million votes, President Museveni expressed concern over low voter turnout among his supporters. “We got eight million votes, but about six million of our supporters did not turn up. If they had come, there would be no opposition,” he said.

The ceremony was attended by Vice President Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Sam Okiding, Chief of Joint Staff Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba, senior and junior UPDF officers, religious and cultural leaders, and other dignitaries.