President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed the top leadership of the Uganda Police Force and Prison Services to embark on the construction of institutional houses for the junior personnel.
President Museveni, also the Commander in Chief of all the armed forces in Uganda, made the directive on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Kololo Independence Grounds, while presiding over a Thanksgiving ceremony for the security agencies for maintaining peace and security during the recently concluded 19th Non-Aligned Movement Summit (NAM) and the Third South Summit of the Group of 77 and China (G77+China).
In his message, the President said that it’s not a good idea for security personnel to stay in rentals (mizigo).
He directed the police and prison to intensify the programme to build modern houses for security personnel. Additionally, President Museveni applauded UPDF for the programme but noted that it should be extended to cover all the units.
Regarding the salary for security personnel, the President emphasised the need to first cater for scientists since the country urgently requires their services.
According to President Museveni, once the houses are built for security personnel, this will enable them to serve the country diligently.
He noted that peace and security achieved during the recent summits were a result of the NRM doctrine of patriotism and nationalism exhibited by the personnel.
As the current NAM Chairperson, President Museveni noted that they are willing to work with non-NAM member states if they are ready to respect the culture and values of member states.
“We have nothing against countries that are not part of NAM; actually, we want to work with them, but they should respect our culture and values. We don’t want anybody to disturb us because we don’t disturb anybody,” President Museveni noted.
He added that it’s now time for Uganda to strategize and reap the opportunities resulting from the recently hosted summits.
“Our role is to bring ideas and share them with the member states of NAM, G77, etc. I asked our member states to work for peace and stability in the world, not for war,” President Museveni said.
According to the President, there is a need to encourage a South-to South investment approach in order to produce goods and services to achieve global affluence.
He further emphasised the need to create global markets for the products produced in Uganda.
“With the NAM and G77 groups, we are talking about massive markets for the goods. We are trying to add value to our coffee, and some people are trying to fight it,” the President stated.
Gen Museveni noted that it was very crucial that Uganda hosted the summit successfully in order to create a huge market for the excessive goods Uganda has.
Uganda hosted the 19th Non-Aligned Movement Summit, the G77+ China Summit, alongside IGAD from January 15–22, 2024.
