President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni issued a stern warning to leaders across Uganda, accusing some of neglecting ordinary citizens despite the governmentโs continued investment in wealth creation programs aimed at fighting poverty.
Speaking during the inauguration of the 12th Parliamentโs new Speaker and Deputy Speaker at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on Monday, May 25, 2026, Museveni stressed that accountability, discipline, and service delivery must now take center stage in leadership.
The President expressed frustration that many communities remain poor even after billions of shillings have been injected into government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM).
โIโm in a position to be very rough with people who want a level of leadership but donโt care about the people they lead,โ Museveni said. โI have already laid a trap for all those people through programs on the ground.โ
He emphasized that every parish currently has access to approximately Shs 800 million in low-cost capital, warning leaders that excuses for persistent poverty would no longer be tolerated.
โIโm in a very bad mood. The capital is there at each parish. Use it. Enough is enough,โ the President declared. โIf you are a minister and I come to your village and people are still suffering, I will sack you.โ
Museveni revealed that he has been closely monitoring implementation of the programs and urged leaders to ensure government funds directly improve household incomes and livelihoods.
The President also criticized leaders and citizens who focus heavily on European football while communities continue to struggle economically.
โOne of my people was inviting me for something called โArsenal.โ I said, โWhatโs Arsenal? Celebrate what?โโ Museveni remarked. โYou can have your Arsenal, but start with the people, please. How can you be celebrating European clubs when your people donโt have anything?โ
On public health, Museveni cautioned Ugandans to remain vigilant following Ebola concerns linked to the Democratic Republic of Congo. He advised the public to reduce physical contact, including handshakes and hugging, to minimize the risk of transmission.
โThere is a big problem in Congo,โ he warned. โEbola spreads through physical contact. I was here watching you shaking hands and hugging. Do you people know that there is Ebola? For me, Iโve not touched any of you.โ
The parliamentary sitting also marked a significant political transition as Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth was elected Speaker after defeating opposition-backed Paul Mwiru and Democratic Party President Norbert Mao. Oboth-Oboth secured 441 votes, while Mwiru received 60 votes and Mao garnered 15. 
In his acceptance speech, the new Speaker pledged to lead a Parliament grounded in accountability, transparency, and integrity.
Meanwhile, Thomas Tayebwa retained his position as Deputy Speaker for a second term after winning 457 votes against Asinansi Nyakato and Sarah Aguti. Tayebwa committed himself to championing a corruption-free Parliament and called on legislators to unite around wealth creation and socio-economic transformation. 
As he closed the session, President Museveni congratulated the newly elected parliamentary leadership and praised the transparent conduct of the elections. He urged Members of Parliament from all political sides to prioritize national development, poverty eradication, and improving the livelihoods of Ugandans.
