Museveni vows to limit freedoms on booze, gambling

President Yoweri Museveni addressing the congregation during the National Thanks Giving Service at State House in Entebbe on Friday. Photos by Richard Sanya

President Yoweri Museveni has vowed to restrict certain freedoms in the country, allowing Ugandans to spend their time in bars and on sports-betting.

The President told a congregation at Statehouse on Friday that he will not allow Ugandans to sink in booze and gambling because of the too much freedom at their disposal.

President Yoweri Museveni and the First Lady, Janet Museveni at the National Thanks Giving Service at State House in Entebbe

 
Museveni made the remarks during the annual National Thanks Giving Service at State House in Entebbe.

The President noted that Ugandans cannot get rid of poverty if instead of working, they spend most of their time enjoying local brew and gambling.

He noted that it's that freedom which Ugandans are enjoying that is luring Kenyans to flock the country to have a test of it.

 
"In Kenya, bars are not open at certain time; here they are open all the time. Home brew is forbidden but here people just drink it. I think I need to revise some of these laws," he said.

The President said he feels sad to hear a cross section of Ugandans complaining that they lack freedom when Kenyans come to Uganda to enjoy it?   

Some of the religious leaders at the annual National Thanks Giving Service at State House in Entebbe.

 
The prayers were attended by several dignitaries including the speaker of parliament, Vice-President, Prime Minister, members of the diplomatic core, cabinet ministers, security officers, and business community.

Although the guests started arriving as early as 9:00am and treated to a mouth-watering meal at statehouse, the service kicked off at 3:45pm on the arrival of the President accompanied by the First Lady, Janet Museveni and other members of the first family.

 
The President also spoke widely about scarcity of rains in the country, unity among different religious groups, and religious radicalism. Sunday Vision of tomorrow has a detailed story of the event.

The State Minister of Ethics & Integrity, Fr. Simon Lokodo taking the the 3rd reading during the the annual National Thanks Giving Service at State House in Entebbe.

The theme of the service was "Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion which cannot be shaken but endures forever…"

The service brought together all religious groups in the country including Muslims, Catholics, Anglicans, born-again Christians and the Seventh day Adventist.
 

The deputy editor New Vision, Catherine Mwesigwa taking the the 4th reading during the the annual National Thanks Giving Service at State House in Entebbe

 
The first lady, Janet Museveni led the closing prayers in which she prayed for peace in in Uganda including in Kasese where recent clashes between loyal guards of the King of Rwenzururu and security forces occurred in November, leaving over 100 people dead.

Dr. Joseph Serwadda of Victory Church Ndeeba preaching

 
The first lady also prayed for more rain, gift of life, children and professionals like doctors, media and farmers who produce food for the country.  

The prayers were attended by several dignitaries including the speaker of parliament, Vice-President, Prime Minister and members of the diplomatic core, cabinet ministers, security officers, the business community and others.

 
Other choirs were Light Bearers from Seventh Day Adventist Church, the Police band and a soloist identified as Nakki.

The first lady, Janet Museveni leading the closing prayer.