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‘Kisanja No More Sleep’ taking shape
In his State of the Nation Address on June 4, the President reiterated the central question that has shaped much of his recent constructive messages: how do we bring every Ugandan household into the money economy? writes Dr Rosemary Nansubuga Seninde (PhD)
Dr Rosemary Nansubuga Seninde (PhD). (File)
By: Admin ., Journalist @New Vision
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OPINION
By Dr Rosemary Nansubuga Seninde (PhD)
On August 20, 2026, Uganda marked 100 days since President Yoweri Museveni took the oath of office on May 12 and gave his new term a memorable theme, Kisanja No More Sleep. The phrase is characteristically concise, humorous and easily understood, yet carrying a serious message. It was a warning against complacency, careerism and a business-as-usual attitude. The President was telling those entrusted with public responsibility that this term must be defi ned by urgency, discipline and measurable results.
One hundred days later, is that promise taking shape? The honest answer is that the foundations are laid. One hundred days are not enough to judge the success of a five-year government, but they are sufficient to establish its direction. They allow us to examine the priorities set, the decisions taken and the spirit with which a new term has begun.
In his State of the Nation Address on June 4, the President reiterated the central question that has shaped much of his recent constructive messages: how do we bring every Ugandan household into the money economy?
This question concerns the dignity of families, the future of young people and the stability of our country. For a family living outside the money economy, national growth figures can appear distant. What matters is whether that family can produce for the market, earn a dependable income, educate its children or obtain proper healthcare.
The 2026/27 national budget, presented on June 11, reinforced the emphasis on production, commercial agriculture, industrialisation, wealth creation, infrastructure and the transition towards a modern, knowledge-based economy. Uganda also entered the new financial year with expectations of stronger economic growth, partly linked to investment in oil production and other productive sectors.
These prospects give the country reason for confidence, but projections alone will not transform people’s lives. Growth must be translated into employment, affordable credit, reliable markets and better public services.
Kisanja No More Sleep cannot simply mean arriving at the office early or staying there till late. It means understanding the assignment, acting on it and accepting responsibility for the results. It must mean value for money, government programmes are properly supervised, corruption is confronted, and citizens receive services without having to beg those employed to serve them.
The real test will, therefore, be found in the daily experiences of ordinary Ugandans. A mother will ask whether the health centre has medicine and qualified personnel. A farmer will ask whether quality seeds, extension services, affordable financing and dependable markets are available. A young graduate will want to know where the opportunities for work and enterprise can be found. Parents will judge the Government by the quality of learning in schools, while beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model will look for lasting changes in their household incomes. These are the reasons the vision speaks to.
The 2026/27 national budget, presented on June 11, reinforced the emphasis on production, commercial agriculture, industrialisation, wealth creation, infrastructure and the transition towards a modern, knowledge-based economy. Uganda also entered the new financial year with expectations of stronger economic growth, partly linked to investment in oil production and other productive sectors.
These prospects give the country reason for confidence, but projections alone will not transform people’s lives. Growth must be translated into employment, affordable credit, reliable markets and better public services.
Kisanja No More Sleep cannot simply mean arriving at the office early or staying there till late. It means understanding the assignment, acting on it and accepting responsibility for the results. It must mean value for money, government programmes are properly supervised, corruption is confronted, and citizens receive services without having to beg those employed to serve them.
The real test will, therefore, be found in the daily experiences of ordinary Ugandans. A mother will ask whether the health centre has medicine and qualified personnel. A farmer will ask whether quality seeds, extension services, affordable financing and dependable markets are available. A young graduate will want to know where the opportunities for work and enterprise can be found. Parents will judge the Government by the quality of learning in schools, while beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model will look for lasting changes in their household incomes. These are the reasons the vision speaks to.
The President has repeatedly and unequivocally cautioned public officials against corruption, indiscipline and non-performance. That message should resonate through the entire government system — from the ministries to districts, sub-counties, parishes and villages. No programme, however well-intentioned, can succeed if implementation is weak or public servants remain indifferent to the people they serve.
Yet, the government actions alone cannot transform a country. President Museveni has used his first 100 days to renew his call for citizens to actively take responsibility for improving their livelihoods. As the Government continues to provide infrastructure, financing, security and an enabling policy environment, families must embrace production, enterprise and the responsible use of available opportunities. In his speeches, the President has consistently encouraged Ugandans to engage in viable enterprises, including those promoted under the Four-Acre Model.
He has urged young people to acquire practical skills and farmers to produce with the market in mind; communities, too, have a duty to protect public investments and demand accountability responsibly, without undermining the very institutions established to serve them.
The encouraging synopsis from these first 100 days is that the tone has been set. The President has defined the urgency, government priorities are taking shape, and the country has a fresh opportunity to turn the existing investments into feasible and viable improvements in people’s lives. Our focus now is effective service delivery to overcome the surmountable challenge ahead.
If Kisanja No More Sleep becomes the working culture of every minister, permanent secretary, resident district commissioner, local government leader and public servant, these first 100 days will underpin a more accountable and productive chapter in Uganda’s development.
Ugandans have a reason to remain hopeful. The foundation exists, the direction has been stated, and the opportunities before the country are substantial. What is required now is disciplined leadership, honest, result-oriented service and collective determination to make every day of this term count.
The writer is the director of mobilisation in the National Resistance Movement
Yet, the government actions alone cannot transform a country. President Museveni has used his first 100 days to renew his call for citizens to actively take responsibility for improving their livelihoods. As the Government continues to provide infrastructure, financing, security and an enabling policy environment, families must embrace production, enterprise and the responsible use of available opportunities. In his speeches, the President has consistently encouraged Ugandans to engage in viable enterprises, including those promoted under the Four-Acre Model.
He has urged young people to acquire practical skills and farmers to produce with the market in mind; communities, too, have a duty to protect public investments and demand accountability responsibly, without undermining the very institutions established to serve them.
The encouraging synopsis from these first 100 days is that the tone has been set. The President has defined the urgency, government priorities are taking shape, and the country has a fresh opportunity to turn the existing investments into feasible and viable improvements in people’s lives. Our focus now is effective service delivery to overcome the surmountable challenge ahead.
If Kisanja No More Sleep becomes the working culture of every minister, permanent secretary, resident district commissioner, local government leader and public servant, these first 100 days will underpin a more accountable and productive chapter in Uganda’s development.
Ugandans have a reason to remain hopeful. The foundation exists, the direction has been stated, and the opportunities before the country are substantial. What is required now is disciplined leadership, honest, result-oriented service and collective determination to make every day of this term count.
The writer is the director of mobilisation in the National Resistance Movement