The President emphasised the need to ensure that economic growth translates into improved household incomes, citing government programmes such as Operation Wealth Creation and the Parish Development Model (PDM).
“Can you have a strong army and a strong and safe country without a strong economy? Can you have a strong defence force and a strong and safe country without cohesive politics? Finally, can you have a strong defence force and a strong and safe country without, in some cases, addressing the issue of geo-strategic location such as being landlocked?” President Museveni asked.
Wadri also questioned the launch of a presidential bid by a serving military officer, saying the law requires resignation and a discharge certificate before such a candidature can be validated. He contrasted the development with remarks by the Minister for the Presidency that President Museveni would remain on the ballot from 2031 to 2036.
The party president, Maj Gen (Rtd.) Mugisha Muntu, told delegates that politics in Uganda is increasingly money-oriented and warned that if not careful, any party that will come to power will repeat the same mistake.