President Yoweri Museveni’s New Year message highlighted pressing issues affecting Uganda, including cattle theft, drought-impacted agriculture, and the growing threat of Monkey Pox.
The 31st December, 2024 national address was broadcasted on all local TV and radio stations.
In his adress, President Museveni emphasized the need for stern action against cattle thieves, directing the police to deny bond to suspects. “We must take a strong stance against these criminals,no granting village thieves police bonds.” he said.
Museveni also expressed concern over the harvesting of immature coffee, urging farmers to adopt best practices to improve quality and yields. He noted that coffee production has increased significantly, from 2.7 million bags in 2013 to 9 million bags in 2024, thanks to initiatives like Operation Wealth Creation (OWC).
The President announced plans to introduce a blueprint for irrigation to boost agricultural productivity, capitalizing on the global rise in coffee prices due to drought in other coffee-producing countries.
On the health front, Museveni warned about the growing threat of Monkey Pox, emphasizing the importance of early reporting and preventive measures.
He advised individuals with symptoms, such as blisters, to isolate themselves and report to nearby health centers.
The President also congratulated Ugandan athletes on their Olympic medals and the nation on winning bids to host the African Cup of Nations and CHAN.
President Museveni’s New Year message has been met with mixed reactions, coming at a time when Ugandans are still reeling from the merger of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) with the Ministry of Agriculture. The move continues to raise eyebrows, with many expressing discontent over the potential implications for the coffee industry.
Despite the concerns, many are hopeful that the President’s message will serve as a reminder to government agencies to reaffirm their commitment to addressing critical socio-economic challenges affecting Ugandan.
However, the President’s emphasis on denying police bonds to thieves has raised concerns among human rights activists. They question whether the President is overstepping his bounds by formulating laws, a role exclusively reserved for Parliament.
The move has now become a matter of debate with many saying, it is essential to ensure that any measures taken to address crime are done within the framework of the law and with respect for human rights.
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