Jumah Kakomo and Kabuye Ronald
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has accused the National Unity Platform (NUP) of promoting foreign agendas aimed at sabotaging and undermining Uganda’s independence. The President made the remarks during a media interaction with journalists from the Greater Masaka region, where he said that opponents of Uganda’s progress are driven by envy over the country’s development trajectory.
During the same engagement, President Museveni highlighted recent political realignments, noting that eight opposition parliamentary flag bearers from the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the Democratic Front have defected to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party. The defections were announced earlier by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, at Nakasero State Lodge.
The President also revealed plans to reduce Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax from the current 30 percent and to lower trade license fees for petty traders operating in towns across Greater Masaka. He said an executive order would be issued to effect these changes, aimed at easing the tax burden and supporting small-scale businesses.
On development, President Museveni reaffirmed the government’s commitment to industrialization in Greater Masaka, with planned industrial parks to be established in Lukaya and Bukakata. He emphasized that industrial growth is key to job creation and sustainable economic transformation in the region.
However, the President criticized voters in Greater Masaka for electing what he termed “inconsequential opposition politicians,” accusing them of derailing development efforts by prioritizing politics over service delivery.
Addressing land matters, President Museveni directed the Ministry of Lands to calculate and present the required compensation packages for landlords eligible for compensation. He warned opposition leaders in the region against misleading the public on land laws, stressing that existing legal safeguards protect tenants.
The President further annulled any justification for unlawful land evictions, citing constitutional protections, and warned landlords against intimidating tenants. He reiterated that the government will not tolerate actions that violate citizens’ land rights.
On regional integration, President Museveni spoke about the proposed East African Political Federation and the importance of expanding regional markets to boost trade and economic growth. He also explained the macroeconomic impact of Uganda’s wealth creation initiatives, saying they are central to increasing household incomes and strengthening the national economy.
