65 striking pictures from the State of the Nation Address

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On Thursday, June 5, 2025, President Yoweri Museveni delivered the State of the Nation Adress, marking the commencement of the 5th session of the 11th Parliament.

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Morning Arrivals and Interactions

From midday, a procession of dignitaries began arriving at Kololo. Ministers, Members of Parliament, ambassadors, and cultural leaders filled the venue, engaging in cordial interactions and setting a tone of unity and anticipation for the day's proceedings.

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Guard of Honour

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Unity through interaction was on full display at the State of the Nation Address, as religious leaders, political figures, and army officers freely mingled before the session commenced.

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Presidential Arrival and Session Commencement

At approximately 2:12 PM, President Museveni arrived, accompanied by First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni. Their arrival was met with ceremonial honours, including the national anthem and a guard of honour.

Speaker of Parliament Anita Among officially opened the session, acknowledging the presence of her predecessors and emphasising Parliament's commitment to national development.

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Launch of the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV)

Before delivering his address, President Museveni launched the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), outlining Uganda's strategic development agenda for 2025/26 to 2029/30. The plan focuses on ten priority areas aimed at steering the country towards a modern, integrated, and self-sustaining economy.

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The State of the Nation Address

In his address, President Museveni highlighted Uganda's economic resilience, noting a GDP per capita of $1,263 and positioning the country as the seventh fastest-growing economy globally, with a growth rate of 6.3% per annum.

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He emphasized the importance of agro-industrialisation, tourism, mineral beneficiation, and advancements in science and technology as key drivers for achieving the vision of a $500 billion economy.

The President also acknowledged the nation's robust security apparatus and praised the youth, he referrers to as "Bazzukulu," for their contributions to national development.

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Closing and Adjournment

Concluding his address, President Museveni declared the fifth session of the 11th Parliament officially open. Speaker Among then adjourned the House, inviting Members of Parliament to reconvene at Kololo on June 12 for the Budget reading.