By President Yoweri Museveni has issued a stern caution to Ugandan voters, urging them to reject bribes and extravagant donations from politicians, which he described as “stolen gifts,” warning that such practices are eroding voters’ power and undermining the nation’s democratic and development efforts.
Latest
Speed Limit Rules Trigger Backlash, Government Suspends Automated Traffic Fines
Air India Survivor Speaks out, Recalls Terrifying Moments
Uganda Exits Least Developed Countries Category- Kasaija
Senior Police Officer Remanded Over Alleged Theft of Building Materials
Air India Flight to London crashes with 242 on board
Besigye, Lutale Push for Magistrate’s Exit Over Bias Claims
Police Arrest Nearly 100 in Kampala-Wakiso-Mukono Crackdown on Crime and Drug Abuse
Tensions Mount in Kakumiro as Leaders Accuse Josephat Tumwesigye of Stirring Tribal Division
BREAKING: Gov’t Temporarily Suspends EPS Auto Effective Midnight
Traffic Restrictions Announced Ahead of the Budget Reading
Government, Partners Intensify Fight Against Child Labour Ahead of World Day
Why Are Men Missing in Antenatal Clinics? A Gap in Reproductive Health Rights
“The responsible parents do not accept stolen gifts from their children,” the President said in a veiled attack on politicians who dish out unexplained cash during election campaigns. His remarks came during his speech at the National Budget reading ceremony held Thursday at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
Museveni criticised the growing culture of political bribery disguised as fundraising and donations, saying it creates a false impression of wealth and exploits both the electorate and the leaders themselves.
“These practices of bribes and fundraising are overthrowing the voters’ power to elect leaders that will work with the Central Government to solve their problems,” he warned, urging Ugandans to instead vote for leaders who will “supervise government programs and fight corruption.”
The President drew a clear distinction between the traditional khaki envelopes he occasionally hands out and the bribes politicians offer. “The brown envelopes I give are part of ancient traditions. It is called okurongoora. It is the King who does that. The President is the modern ‘King’. I have a budget for that,” Museveni explained, distancing his actions from political bribery.
He further challenged church leaders, elders, and the public to question the sources of lavish spending by youthful politicians. “Responsible parents should ask, ‘Naye mwana wange, esente zino zonna ozigyawa?’” he said, translating to “My child, where did you get all this money from?”
Museveni pointed to the National Resistance Army/UPDF, wealth creators, government scientists, and patriotic politicians as the key drivers behind Uganda’s transformation, warning against actions that threaten to undo their progress.
Read Also
Traffic Restrictions Announced Ahead of the Budget Reading
Government, Partners Intensify Fight Against Child Labour Ahead of World Day
Why Are Men Missing in Antenatal Clinics? A Gap in Reproductive Health Rights
Ministry of Health Dismisses Claims of COVID-19 Resurgence in Uganda
Former Ibanda District Officials Sentenced Over Illegal Land Sale
Prominent City Lawyer Twebaze Drake Remanded Over $553,500 Fraud Case
Director of Mukono School Killed in Alleged Abduction
Several Injured As Military, Police Raid NUP Headquarters
Twelve Arrested in Joint Security Operation in Mukono
He also condemned the culture of individual fundraising pushed by politicians, describing it as premature and unsustainable. “Fundraising was and is premature. The healthy fundraising is okusonda small equal contributions from many people,” Museveni said, recalling how his own father, Mzee Kaguta, would contribute to communal gatherings in the 1950s.
Calling for civic vigilance, the President urged Ugandans to expose political and public sector corruption alike. “Once we solve political corruption, it will be easy to fight the corruption of public servants. The people are the true whistleblowers in this fight,” he added.
His speech comes at a time when the country gears up for the 2026 general elections and the government seeks to strengthen transparency and accountability in service delivery.
1 Comment