PM tables motion for Parliament to debate State of the Nation Address
The motion, moved under Rule 58 of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament, proposed that Parliament formally thanks the President for fulfilling his constitutional obligation under Article 101(1) of the Constitution to address the nation at the beginning of every session of Parliament.
The Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business, Robinah Nabbanja. (File photo)
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The Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business, Robinah Nabbanja, has tabled a motion seeking Parliament's approval to begin debate on President Yoweri Museveni's 2026 State of the Nation Address, setting the stage for lawmakers to scrutinise the country's economic, governance and social priorities.
Nabbanja moved the motion during the House sitting on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, saying Parliament should express its gratitude to the President for what the motion described as a "clear and concise exposition" of government policy contained in the State of the Nation Address delivered on June 4 at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
The motion, moved under Rule 58 of the Rules of Procedure of Parliament, proposed that Parliament formally thanks the President for fulfilling his constitutional obligation under Article 101(1) of the Constitution to address the nation at the beginning of every session of Parliament.
It was seconded by National Resistance Movement (NRM) members; Henry Kamya Makumbi (Mityana County South) and Mary Kamuli Kuteesa (Mwenge County South).
The motion highlights several themes contained in the President's address, including his call for "no more sleep", "zero tolerance to corruption" and "no politeness to non-performers" as guiding principles for accelerating economic transformation.
Nabbanja cited improvements in economic growth, poverty reduction, life expectancy and infrastructure development, while noting government's focus on wealth creation through programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Operation Wealth Creation and the National Agriculture Advisory Services.
If adopted, Parliament will commit itself to promoting the values and ideas underpinning the President's "no more sleep" philosophy.
However, the debate opened with the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, urging MPs to use the exercise to address the realities facing ordinary Ugandans rather than merely endorse government's position.
Ssenyonyi argued that President Museveni's State of the Nation Address failed to reflect the realities facing ordinary Ugandans, arguing that government had not adequately addressed the economy, public debt, unemployment, corruption, healthcare, education and human rights.
He expressed concern over Uganda's growing public debt, saying the country continues to borrow heavily without obtaining value for money.
"There are many projects for which government has borrowed money, but implementation remains poor," he said.
Ssenyonyi argued that the rising cost of living and increasing fuel prices have worsened the economic situation for many households.
On the economy, Ssenyonyi questioned whether economic growth was improving people's lives. "If the economy is growing, why is life becoming more difficult? The employment picture is serious. Few people are in formal employment. Many families are surviving on informal and insecure work. Many Ugandans are taking up jobs in the Middle East that are hazardous and poorly paid. Deliberate investment in industry, tourism and agro-industrialisation is required," he said.
He added; "Ugandans want decent healthcare, quality education, reliable infrastructure, opportunities to earn a living, accountable management of public resources, and respect for the rule of law by all institutions."
The opposition leader said the debate should equally focus on governance, rule of law and protection of human rights.
"Many journalists have been arrested and their equipment confiscated," Ssenyonyi noted.
The motion will be debated by the NRM, opposition and independent MPs. They will assess the President's address and make recommendations on the country's economic performance, governance, security and development priorities before Parliament adopts a formal resolution.
While acknowledging growth in tourism and some export sectors, Ssenyonyi said Uganda must invest more in infrastructure, manufacturing, environmental protection, affordable electricity and digital connectivity to ensure economic gains translate into improved livelihoods.
On corruption, he cited reports by the Inspectorate of Government and the Auditor General, saying the vice continues to drain public resources.
He criticised the implementation of the PDM programme, citing the Auditor General's findings of ghost projects, ineligible beneficiaries and unrecovered funds.
He called for stronger accountability in local governments.
Ssenyonyi said the health sector continues to struggle with drug stock-outs, staffing shortages and inadequate funding, while the education sector faces poor infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms and low learning outcomes.
He called for increased investment in healthcare, schools and teacher welfare.