Today, June 7, 2023, His Excellency the President of Uganda is expected to address the nation in his State of the Nation Address (SONA), at Kololo Independence Grounds, starting at exactly 2:00 pm.

The State of the Nation Address (SONA) is a constitutional obligation and yearly tradition wherein the chief executive reports on the status of the country, unveils the government’s agenda for the coming year, and proposes to Congress certain legislative measures.

As His Excellency the President prepares to deliver his State of the Nation address, a group of legislators anticipates a thorough discussion on crucial matters. The current attack on the UPDF base in Somalia, where Al-Shabaab militants killed 54 Ugandans, is something that Ugandans anticipate the president to give a detailed account of.

Ugandans also expect a comprehensive assessment of the current state of security in the country.

The public expects the president to address gun violence and reaffirm public confidence in the safety of the nation in light of the recent shootings, which included the death of the state minister for gender, Hon. Charles Engola, by his own bodyguard, the killing of well-known vlogger Isma, the death of Uttam Bhandari an Indian money lender.

Also important, the public would expect the president to shed more light on the recently signed anti-homosexuality bill that he signed into law.

The general public would also expect the president to talk about the progress of government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga program.

The public also expects the President to talk about corruption after some ministers and members of parliament were implicated in diverting iron sheets meant for the people of Karamoja.

According to Rwemulikya Gerald, the Member of Parliament for Ntoroko district, “We want to hear the President commit on how to tackle corruption,” he said.

Our reporter talked to a one Mukiibi Andrew, a boda boda rider at Acacia Avenue, and he said all he wants to hear from the president is a reduction in taxes paid on basic needs. “Mzee should at least assure us that these commodity prices will go down soon because it’s too much now,” Andrew added.