‘No More Sleep’: Museveni Warns Non-Performers and Corrupt Officials Again

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has used the 2026 State of the Nation Address at Kololo Independence Grounds to call for greater discipline, accountability and productivity among leaders and citizens as Uganda pursues economic transformation.

Addressing Members of Parliament, government officials and the nation through a hybrid format, the President warned against corruption, non-performance and diversion from productive work, saying Uganda’s progress depends on effective leadership and the full participation of citizens in the money economy.

He thanked Ugandans for participating in the electoral process since January 15, 2026, and for their support of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), before turning to what he described as the country’s central challenge: eliminating economic and leadership inefficiencies.

“Above all, I thank God for all these victories and for the peace in the country in spite of so many evil people that have been plotting to disturb the peace,” he said.

President Museveni cautioned against tolerating poor performance in both government and communities, arguing that Uganda cannot achieve meaningful transformation if leaders fail to guide citizens into productive economic activities.

Referring to his message during the presidential inauguration, the President clarified what he termed as misconceptions surrounding his call for urgency in service delivery.

“During the presidential inauguration, I put forward a call for ‘no more sleep.’ Some people are already distorting it as just ‘no sleep.’ To clarify the message: it means no more sleep, no more corruption, no more diversions, no more politeness for non-performers who want leadership positions for ego and personal intentions,” he said.

The President reiterated that Uganda’s development strategy has always focused on moving citizens from subsistence livelihoods into structured participation in the money economy. He noted that the country’s biggest challenge has been transforming households from production solely for consumption into production for markets.

Tracing the origins of this thinking to development debates of the 1960s, Museveni said the ideas later informed the National Resistance Movement’s Ten-Point Programme, particularly the fifth point, which called for “building an independent, integrated, self-sustaining national economy.”

A significant portion of the address focused on the cattle corridor, where he said early mobilisation efforts encouraged pastoral communities to transition from nomadic lifestyles to settled commercial farming.

Drawing from his personal experiences as a student travelling through Ntungamo, Mbarara and Nyabushozi, the President said he witnessed first-hand the limitations of subsistence production. These experiences shaped his understanding of the need to move from okukolera ekidda kyokka (working only for the stomach) to participation in the money economy.

He explained that communities were later encouraged to adopt enclosed farming systems, commercial production and profit-oriented decision-making, which he referred to as ekibaro.

“Between 1966 and 1986, in spite of the wars, we sensitized people about abandoning nomadism for sedentary agriculture,” he said.

According to the President, the transformation has yielded tangible results. Areas such as Nyabushozi embraced commercial dairy farming, contributing significantly to rural incomes and economic growth.

He noted that milk production has increased from approximately 200 million litres in 1986 to 5.4 billion litres today.

“That was all. They converted their indigenous Ankole cattle into half-breeds with the Friesians (ebiihwa) and they took off,” he said.

The President acknowledged that the transition was initially met with scepticism, including from some professionals who doubted whether rural communities could successfully shift to commercial production. However, he said the results have demonstrated the effectiveness of the approach.

Museveni also reflected on mobilisation efforts during the liberation struggle, noting that ideas rather than financial resources drove the movement that eventually shaped national policy and development priorities.

He said government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) and Operation Wealth Creation were designed to extend economic transformation to all households by supporting participation in structured production and wealth creation.

“These programmes are intended to help households enter the money economy, but their success depends on discipline, proper implementation and responsible leadership,” he said.

The President further highlighted the role of infrastructure development, including roads, electricity and transport networks, in supporting industrialisation and market access.

He noted that electricity generation has grown from about 60 megawatts in 1986 to more than 2,000 megawatts today, describing this as a critical enabler of industrial growth and production.

On the broader economy, Museveni said Uganda has registered significant progress in GDP growth, poverty reduction, life expectancy and export expansion, enabling the country to attain lower middle-income status.

He said Uganda’s economy has undergone several phases of transformation, including recovery, expansion, diversification, value addition and a gradual shift toward knowledge-based production.

The President also stressed the importance of regional and continental integration, arguing that Uganda’s domestic market alone cannot sustain long-term economic growth.

“Africa’s economic future depends on integration,” he said, adding that larger markets are essential for absorbing increasing production and sustaining prosperity.

Museveni delivered a stern warning to leaders who fail to fulfil their responsibilities.

“Either you lead or you stay in your home. I hear of leaders talking about allowances to reach their people and mobilise them against poverty. I get nauseous. Out of politeness, I have been keeping quiet, but now I am telling you. All non-performers must leave leadership,” he said.

“This is the time to talk straight to everyone. Why should a Muluka chief ask for a motorcycle to do his work? Let him ride a bicycle; it is better for him and he will live longer. I am really sick and tired of parasitism and that is why I said, in this kisanja, no more sleep.”

The President urged leaders at all levels to focus on results, accountability and service delivery to ensure that government programmes translate into tangible improvements in household incomes and national development.

Meanwhile, Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Jacob Oulanyah Oboth-Oboth reminded Members of Parliament of the constitutional significance of the State of the Nation Address, which outlines national achievements, challenges and Parliament’s legislative priorities for the year ahead.

He called on legislators to work with unity, dedication and commitment to their constituents while aligning their work with the national development agenda outlined by the President.

The Speaker also reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s target of growing the economy tenfold to reach USD 500 billion.

The event was attended by Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament and other dignitaries.