The Force Commander of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), Hon. Lt Gen Sam Kavuma, has called on the 12th Parliament to emulate President Yoweri Museveni’s pragmatic leadership and translate government policies into tangible development at constituency level.
Lt Gen Kavuma made the call during a debate on a motion expressing Parliament’s gratitude to President Museveni for his exposition of government policy in the State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered on June 4, 2026.
The debate is expected to continue for four weeks.
Reflecting on President Museveni’s leadership journey, Lt Gen Kavuma said the President demonstrated resourcefulness and pragmatism from an early age by using the limited resources available to support and transform the communities around him.
He recalled the challenges faced by communities that depended on cattle keeping but lacked the knowledge and resources to harness available water and other natural resources to improve their livelihoods.
Lt Gen Kavuma also reflected on his family’s movements across different parts of Uganda and recalled meeting President Museveni in 1968, describing him as a leader who demonstrated visionary qualities.
He credited the President with helping to transform Uganda’s economy, which he said had stagnated before 1986.
Drawing comparisons between Uganda’s past and present economic position, Lt Gen Kavuma noted the significant growth in the country’s economy and domestic revenue collection over the years.
Leadership is about commitment, not position
Lt Gen Kavuma challenged Members of Parliament to draw practical lessons from the State of the Nation Address, saying that appreciating the President’s policies should be followed by action at the grassroots.
“Leadership is not about positions, Generals, Honourable Members, Ministers. Leadership is not about even having a lot of resources. Leadership is about commitment, being pragmatic so that you use whatever you have to move your people from one stage to another,” he said.
He urged the 12th Parliament to take the policies outlined in the State of the Nation Address to their constituencies and ensure that government programmes are effectively implemented for the benefit of citizens.
The debate on the motion continues in Parliament.
