The Opposition Forum for Democratic Change party has urged President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to talk about the government’s commitment to solving the current economic hardships during the State of the Nation Address slated for Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at Kololo grounds.

FDC Party President, Eng. Patrick Oboi Amuriat, in a statement issued from the Party Headquarters in Najjanankumbi, said President Museveni needs to tackle the issue of economic hardships that Ugandans are currently enduring.

According to Amuriat, economic hardships have become so severe that some individuals have resorted to suicide.

“The government must formulate a comprehensive plan to improve the welfare of all citizens. We also call on the government to address the escalating prices of goods and services, particularly the cost of fuel, which in turn affects the price of other goods and services,” FDC’s statement reads in part.

FDC further proposed the implementation of a regulated price for fuel and the enactment of legislation that prohibits selling fuel above the government-regulated price, saying it would alleviate the burden on Ugandans and protect them from unscrupulous price hikes.

“We, the FDC, emphasize that the State of the Nation Address is not just an opportunity for Mr. Museveni to engage in rhetoric but a chance to address the genuine concerns and hardships faced by the Ugandan people,” the statement reads.

According to Article 101(1) of the Constitution, President Museveni will deliver the State of the Nation Address on Wednesday, June 6, at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala.

During last year’s Nation Address, President Museveni emphasized government commitments to accelerate economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, which he said had greatly ravaged the country’s economy. He said the government would promote commercial farming through a wealth creation campaign and the parish development model, among other programs.