Today, I had the honour of officiating at a Political Leadership Committee meeting under the Governance and Security Programme (GSP), held at Speke Resort Munyonyo. The meeting brought together Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Accounting Officers and Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to review budget proposals and prepare the Budget Framework Paper for the Financial Year 2027/2028. The meeting aimed to develop credible, realistic and results-oriented budget proposals aligned with the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV) and the Tenfold Growth Strategy. I congratulated my fellow Ministers on their appointments and reappointments for the new National Resistance Movement (NRM) term of 2026–2031, noting that these appointments reflect the confidence placed in them by H.E. the President and the people of Uganda. I urged them to discharge their responsibilities with renewed commitment, patriotism, integrity and a strong sense of duty. I also commended Permanent Secretaries, Accounting Officers & technical teams for their continued dedication to implementing Government policies and programmes. The FY 2027/2028 budget preparation process is both timely and strategic, following the issuance of the First Budget Call Circular by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development. I reminded participants that the process is anchored in Article 155(1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and Section 12(1)–(3) of the Public Finance Management Act, Cap. 171. All approved draft budget estimates must be submitted to the Ministry of Finance by Thursday, 15 October 2026. I called upon all political and technical leaders to treat this deadline with the urgency it deserves. Political leaders must provide clear policy direction that reflects the aspirations of Ugandans, while Accounting Officers and technical teams must translate national priorities into technically sound, properly costed and implementable plans supported by clear accountability mechanisms. I emphasised the importance of embracing the programme-based approach to planning and budgeting, which requires institutions to work collaboratively towards shared national outcomes rather than operate in isolation. Our focus must not simply be on how much money each institution receives, but on the results we collectively deliver and the tangible difference our interventions make in the lives of Ugandans. Governance, peace, security, the rule of law, accountability and the fight against corruption are interconnected priorities that cannot be achieved by any single institution acting alone. I therefore called for stronger coordination, harmonised priorities, regular meetings of the Political Leadership Committee and effective technical engagements to improve the Programme's performance. The Governance and Security Programme must remain firmly aligned with NDP IV and the Tenfold Growth Strategy, which seeks to grow Uganda's economy from approximately US$50 billion to US$500 billion within 15 years. Achieving this ambition requires strategic investment in productive sectors, alongside a peaceful and secure country, effective institutions, predictable enforcement of the law, efficient public administration and accountable leadership. I urged all MDAs to ensure that their budget proposals clearly demonstrate how the proposed resource allocations will contribute to these national objectives and the Programme Implementation Action Plans (PIAPs) across all 18 NDP IV programmes. The review of the draft Vote estimates was guided by the NDP IV Coordination Guidelines, 2025, issued by the Right Honourable Prime Minister. The guidelines emphasise effective coordination at Technical Working Group, Steering Committee and Political Leadership Committee levels. I stressed that adherence to these coordination mechanisms is essential for harmonising interventions, avoiding duplication and ensuring that public resources deliver maximum value.

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Today at the Uganda Media Centre, I briefed the nation on preparations for the commemoration of Uganda's 64th Independence Day Anniversary, scheduled for Friday, 9th October 2026. The national celebrations will be held at State House, Entebbe, with H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni expected to officiate, under the theme: "Embracing our Sovereignty with Hope and Visionary Leadership." The theme recognises the sacrifices of Uganda's Independence heroes and heroines as the foundation of the country's freedom. Independence Day remains a gazetted public holiday observed annually on 9th October, commemorating Uganda's attainment of Independence in 1962. The day provides an opportunity to reflect on the country's historical journey, honour the sacrifices of patriots, heroes and heroines, and celebrate the achievements registered since Independence. Uganda's Independence was not achieved on a silver plate, but was the result of years of resistance, political mobilisation and sacrifice. Early resisters included Omukama Kabalega of Bunyoro, who resisted attempts to annex Bunyoro to Egypt in 1872, and Kabaka Mwanga of Buganda, whose resistance included the Battle of Kabuwoko in Buddu in 1897. The struggle was further advanced by political actors such as Semakula Mulumba, Maindi, Miti and James Kivu, alongside the establishment of Bataka Bwa Buganda in the late 1940s and the formation of the Uganda National Congress (UNC) in 1952 under the leadership of Ignatius Musazi. These developments increased African participation in governance, including the expansion of the Legislative Council (LEGCO) in 1950 and 1958, while the return of the Kabaka of Buganda from exile in 1955 and the subsequent Namirembe Agreement marked further milestones towards self-government. In accordance with the prevailing arrangements for national celebrations, the event will be conducted virtually, with only a limited number of invited dignitaries physically present. At least 30 VVIPs and a few religious leaders will attend at State House, Entebbe, while the rest of the country will follow the celebrations and the President's message through the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) and other national broadcasters. This is in reference to the 8th Special Meeting held on 19th March 2026, under Minute 59 (CT 2026) 5(8), where Cabinet directed that celebrations of National and International Days be temporarily suspended with effect from Financial Year 2026/2027, and that funds allocated for such celebrations be repurposed towards other pressing government priorities. Notwithstanding the directive, the 64th Independence Day Anniversary will be funded by State House and is being undertaken in accordance with the prevailing government arrangements. Preparations are being coordinated by the National Organizing Committee (NOC) under the Office of the President through the relevant sub-committees. National Thanksgiving Prayers were conducted in all mosques on Friday, 2nd October, in all Seventh Day Adventist Churches on Saturday, 3rd October, and in all other churches on Sunday, 4th October 2026. I thank all Ugandans who participated. Publicity and mobilisation activities are ongoing, including national and district-level television and radio talk shows, social media campaigns coordinated through the Uganda Media Centre, syndicated print articles, publicity by RDCs and RCCs on local radio stations, and live television coverage by UBC and selected private TV and radio stations. Comprehensive security arrangements are in place. The Special Forces Command (SFC) will take overall responsibility for security at the venue, while the Uganda Police Force (UPF) will provide security along the routes and within the Kampala Metropolitan Area, supported by the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF), the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) and the External Security Organisation (ESO).