The National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) National Chairman, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has disclosed that the government has a long-term plan to modernize Uganda.

He asserted that in order to do this, every Ugandan citizen must participate in the financial system and pursue the appropriate education.

“Building a new civilization can be done in two different ways. The first is through providing free education, and the second is by ceasing to work solely for one’s stomach. Everyone should endeavor to fill their stomachs as well as their pockets. This is how a contemporary civilization will be achieved. A peasant should not give birth to another peasant. That is awful. This is our future plan, therefore all of you who are here should be aware of it, the President remarked.

The President made the comments alongside the First Lady, Maama Janet Museveni, as Ugandans/Bazukulu celebrated his 79th birthday and honored the Katonga war heroes at an event held at Kololo Independence Grounds today.

The President also told the audience that if they wanted to generate wealth and get rid of unemployment, they should concentrate on the four economic areas of commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT.

He reiterated, “We don’t want uneducated and impoverished people.

The Senior Presidential Advisor for Political Affairs and Director of the NRM National Chairperson’s Office, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, and her team were praised by the President for organizing the occasion.

“I’m delighted you consented to include my 79 years of life in our conflict. In this instance, the Katonga conflict in September 1985. I want to express my gratitude to everyone who took part in the Katonga wars as well as earlier ones.

Gen. Museveni continued by telling the Bazukulu that all previous battles in Uganda were pointless since there was always a peaceful solution available.

The people of Uganda ought to be aware of how pointless those wars were. We have had the option of peaceful politics since 1962, but some individuals didn’t want it. They made the decision to pursue sectarianism and violence. They never desired the outcome of the elections. We would have resolved our issues amicably, he continued.

The President also gave the war veterans his word that he would invite them to a meeting so they could discuss the difficulties they are facing.

The Vice President, H.E. Jessica Alupo, stated that the monumental occasion served as a reminder of the steadfast devotion and indomitable spirits demonstrated by those who toiled relentlessly for Uganda’s liberation and advancement in addition to marking a significant milestone in the country’s history.

“Your Excellency, the daring path the revolutionary fighters of Katonga took to recapture our sovereignty and construct a flourishing Uganda was made possible by the visionary leadership that you offered during the struggle. The battle of Katonga, fought with steadfast resolve and sacrifice, represents the resiliency of a united people and the victory of the human spirit, according to H.E. Alupo.

“Today, Your Excellency, as we reflect on the daring acts of the past, we are acutely aware of the tremendous obstacles we still have to overcome and the sacrifices made by the courageous men and women who defied oppression and injustice. Their bravery served as an example for future generations, teaching us the value of cooperation, tenacity, and unflinching faith in our common goal, she continued.

“Your Excellency, we are all aware that that was the most difficult battle ever fought by the NRA. Today, we gather here to express our heartfelt gratitude and profound admiration for the courageous men and women who served our country with the utmost valour,” said Hajjat Namyalo.

She also promised that they would continue to emulate President Museveni’s virtues, which have subsequently assisted in the transformation of the nation, as Bazukulu.

First National Vice Chairman-NRM Alhajj Moses Kigongo, former Vice Presidents Edward Ssekandi and Gilbert Bukenya, Ministers, Members of Parliament, and members of the Diplomatic Corps were among those who attended the ceremony.