Youth and Children Affairs Minister Balaam Ateenyi has defended President Yoweri Museveni’s “Kisanja No Sleep” programme, describing it as a broad national agenda aimed at shifting households from subsistence living into income-generating activities and strengthening Uganda’s economic base.
Speaking in a detailed political statement, Ateenyi said the initiative is focused on improving livelihoods at household level and reducing poverty.
He argued that the programme is designed to transition millions of Ugandans from absolute poverty into the middle-income bracket through structured economic empowerment.
“Before we talk about political transition, we need to understand President Museveni’s objective of ‘Kisanja No Sleep’. The deeper mission is a transition from no income families to income generating families at household level lifting millions of Ugandans from absolute poverty into the middle income class,” Ateenyi said.
He added that the agenda also targets governance reforms, particularly in public service delivery and procurement systems. According to him, the government is seeking to address corruption, inefficiency, and lack of accountability within state institutions.
“It is also about moving Uganda from abuse of power to honesty and transparency in all government agencies, from excessive tender awards to competitive pricing and value for money, from arrogance to honor and service for all citizens, and from outdated systems to modern generational systems that can transform our nation,” he said.
Ateenyi further pointed to economic projections, noting that Uganda is expected to register strong growth supported by investment inflows and structural reforms. He said the country remains well positioned among Africa’s emerging economies.
“Uganda is poised to grow into one of the strongest economies in the world, with IMF projections placing our growth above 7%, among the top investment destinations in Africa,” he said.
The minister also called for unity and accountability in governance, urging leaders to strengthen the fight against corruption and abuse of office.
“Let us end corruption and impunity, and embrace patriotism, accountability, and unity,” he said, adding that political transition remains inevitable and linked it to what he described as a generational programme associated with Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
He stressed the importance of integrity in leadership, saying Uganda’s progress depends on responsible governance and national unity.