State of the Nation address 2026: as it happened

_____________

STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS 2026

Edited and presented by Derrick Otim
(Scroll down the page for earlier updates)
_____________________

END OF LIVE PAGE

President Museveni’s State of the Nation Address painted a picture of steady economic growth, rising exports, and ongoing infrastructure development, alongside a strong push for value addition, wealth creation, and fiscal discipline. He reaffirmed government priorities in agriculture, industrialisation, and oil-led transformation, while warning against corruption and underperformance in leadership.

It's a wrap. Thank you for tagging along.
_____________________

Parliament urged to stay alert

Speaker of Parliament Jacob Marksons Oboth has echoed President Museveni’s “no more sleep” message, urging Members of Parliament to adopt a more vigilant and proactive approach in their legislative and oversight duties.

He called on MPs to become a “Parliament of no more sleep,” emphasising heightened responsibility and responsiveness in serving the public.

(Credit: Maria Wamala)

____________________

Budget speech set for June 11

Speaker of Parliament Jacob Marksons Oboth has announced that President Museveni will deliver the 2026/27 national budget speech on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Kololo Independence Grounds, beginning at 2:00 pm.

____________________

Government plans 38 bills

President Museveni has announced that the government will table 38 bills before Parliament, outlining an ambitious legislative agenda aimed at advancing national development and policy reforms.

_____________________

Expanding irrigation for agricultural stability

The president mentioned that to strengthen and stabilise agricultural production, the government is prioritising irrigation development across the country. In addition to large-scale schemes such as Mubuku and Doho, efforts are underway to roll out numerous micro, solar-powered irrigation systems in partnership with a British firm, Nexus Green.

He added that these systems have already been deployed in districts including Ngora, Serere, Bukedea, Amolatar, Kwania, Apac, Kasanda, Masaka, and Mukono, among others, enhancing climate-resilient farming and improving productivity for local communities.

____________________

Wealth creation through farming

President Museveni said his continued emphasis on agriculture is driven by its potential to improve livelihoods for the majority of Ugandans, noting that the sector offers the most accessible path to income generation and wealth creation for many households.

“I have spent a lot of time emphasising agriculture, not because I do not value other sectors, but because it is where our people can earn a living more easily,” he said.

During his State of the Nation Address, the President showcased video testimonies highlighting individuals who have benefited from government wealth creation programmes introduced over the years, underscoring their impact on livelihoods and economic empowerment.

_____________________

Museveni touts pipeline benefits

President Museveni said fuel tankers will eventually be phased off the roads once the East African Crude Oil Pipeline and related petroleum infrastructure are completed. He noted that fuel will be transported through pipelines, reducing congestion and road damage caused by heavy tanker traffic.

“Petrol will be transported through pipelines instead of competing with vehicles on the roads, leaving the roads for cars and light cargo,” the President said.

Efforts are underway to revamp the metre-gauge railway while concurrently developing a modern standard-gauge railway network. These initiatives are aimed at enhancing efficiency, reducing transport costs, and improving regional trade connectivity.

In addition, collaboration with Kenya and Tanzania is progressing on the development of cross-border pipelines for both crude oil and refined petroleum products, further deepening regional energy integration and infrastructure cooperation.

_____________________

Expanding road and transport capacity

President Mseveni highlighted that significant progress has been made in road infrastructure, with tarmacked routes now linking the East to the West from Busia, Lwakhakha, Suam, and Amudat through to Mpondwe, Busuunga, and Ishasha. These developments have greatly improved national connectivity and eased the movement of goods and people across regions.

In addition, key tarmac roads have been constructed to connect important water transport hubs, including Jinja, Majanji, Port Bell, Butiaba, Kaiso–Tonya, and Bukakata, further strengthening multimodal transport links across the country.

_____________________

Museveni warns non-performers

All non-performers should leave positions of leadership — Museveni 

____________________

Expanding national power capacity

The president also noted that electricity generation has grown remarkably from 60 MW in 1986 to 2,098 MW today. Looking ahead, the country is targeting an ambitious 50,000 MW capacity, drawn from a diverse energy mix including hydro, solar, gas, wind, nuclear, and geothermal sources.

____________________

Household poverty levels continue to decline

President Museveni has said that household poverty has significantly declined over the years, falling from 56.4% in 1992 to just 16.1% today, reflecting sustained progress in improving livelihoods and economic wellbeing.

____________________

Economy set for faster growth

The economy is projected to grow by 6.4% in the current financial year, with further expansion expected to reach 10% in the next. This momentum is set to increase the size of the economy to approximately $80 billion (about sh304 trillion). Notably, this growth trajectory is being achieved even before the commencement of commercial oil production.

_____________________

Strong GDP growth achieved

Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product has grown significantly from $3.9 billion (sh15.21 trillion) in 1986 to $69.3 billion (approximately sh270.3 trillion) under the foreign exchange method, or $197.1 billion based on purchasing power parity (PPP), the President said. He added that GDP per capita has risen to $1,278, surpassing the lower middle-income threshold of $1,136.

_____________________

Focus on wealth creation

The president says that the NRM government has identified all the key requirements needed to build a prosperous Uganda.  The mission is to support companies that align with its development agenda and are committed to wealth creation.

_____________________

Museveni decries absentee leaders

President Museveni said he is increasingly frustrated by leaders who request allowances to engage with citizens at the grassroots, noting that he often restrains his irritation by remaining silent. He warned that the current term would be one of “no more sleep, no more corruption, and no more politeness” in dealing with such practices.

The President further criticised some leaders for failing to visit their constituencies, alleging that they instead remain in Kampala, disconnected from the people they represent.

(Credit: Maria Wamala)

_____________________

Leadership demands care

'Don't try to be a leader when you don't care about the people' — Museveni

President Museveni warned against leaders who lack concern for the people they serve, saying they should not attempt to assume leadership roles if they do not genuinely care about the citizens.

_____________________

'No More Sleep'

President Museveni has reiterated his stance against corruption, underscoring his commitment to intensifying the fight and safeguarding public resources for national development.


_____________________

Museveni thanks voters

President Museveni has expressed gratitude to Ugandans for what he described as overwhelming support for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in the 2026 elections.

_____________________

The Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Marksons Oboth, has welcomed President Museveni to deliver his address to the nation.

_____________________

President Arrives

____________________

Arivals

Vice president Jessica Alupo arrives for the State of the Nation address. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)

Rt Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, the Prime Minister of Uganda arriving for the State of the Nation Address. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)

Speaker of Parliament Jacob Marksons Oboth arrives for the Sate of the Nation Address. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)

Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi, Minister of Security. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)

____________________

What Ugandans are saying

As the President prepares to address the nation, many Ugandans are calling for a focus on the lived realities of citizens beyond macroeconomic indicators. They want the Head of State to move past the usual economic statistics and instead offer clear responses to the pressing challenges shaping everyday life.

____________________

What the President said last year, SONA25

In his 2025 State of the Nation Address, President Museveni said Uganda’s economy had grown from $3.9 billion in 1986 to $61 billion, with current growth estimated at 6.7% and projected to reach double digits once oil production begins. He reported a 26% increase in merchandise exports to $9.3 billion, driven by gold and coffee, and noted that total exports of goods and services reached $11.81 billion by March 2025, while inflation remained stable at 3.4%.

President Yoweri Museveni. (File)

The President highlighted progress in industrialisation, infrastructure development, and health investment, including a 250-bed cardiac hospital, as well as ongoing efforts to boost value addition in agriculture and minerals. He stressed the need for Uganda to move away from exporting raw materials, arguing that processing locally is key to long-term prosperity.

On security, Museveni said the country remains stable, crediting security agencies for maintaining peace. He also pointed to continued infrastructure expansion in roads, electricity transmission, and bridges, including projects such as the Mirama–Kabale high-voltage power line, as part of efforts to drive industrial growth.

___________________________

Ebola Safety Restrictions

Attendance at the event has been limited to Members of Parliament, parliamentary staff, and a select group of invited guests, in line with measures put in place to prevent the spread of Ebola.

__________________________

Good afternoon and welcome to New Vision’s live coverage of the State of the Nation address that will soon be delivered by H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni this afternoon, 2:00pm, at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala.

As required under Article 101(1) of the 1995 Constitution, SONA will formally open a new legislative cycle under Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth and his deputy Thomas Tayebwa.