President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has clarified that his call for “No More Sleep” is a message of urgency, discipline and accountability aimed at accelerating Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.

Speaking during the State of the Nation Address, the President urged leaders and citizens to embrace higher levels of productivity and reject corruption, inefficiency and non-performance in public service.

Museveni thanked Ugandans for participating in the 2026 general elections and commended the continued support for the National Resistance Movement, noting that the country maintained peace and stability throughout the electoral period despite isolated attempts to disrupt order.

Addressing public interpretation of his inauguration message, the President said: "During the Presidential Inauguration, I put forward the call of “no more sleep”. Some People are already distorting it as just “no sleep”. It is “no more sleep” and to clarify the message, I should add: no more corruption; no more Kukongola (leaning on your hoe..")

He further elaborated on the meaning of the slogan, adding: "when others are digging); no more Kugumaaza, Kuhuzya (diverting somebody’s attention from the real target to a wrong target); No more kutuhenda (overburden us when we work and you are just sitting down);.. and no more politeness to non – performers who want leadership for their own ego and personal interests."

The President reiterated a zero-tolerance stance on corruption, diversion from agreed priorities and inefficiency within leadership structures, emphasizing that all leaders must be accountable for results.

He also stressed that leadership should be centered on serving the people. “If you are a leader, you must care about the people. If you don’t care, then you are not fit to lead.”

Museveni criticized leaders who receive government allowances but fail to engage directly with communities. “Those who get government allowances and do not go to the field. I am sick and tired of that parasitism.”

He added: “When I hear of leaders talking about allowances to reach their people and mobilise them against poverty, I get nauseous. Out of politeness, I've been keeping quiet, but now I'm telling you.”

On economic transformation, the President said Uganda must continue transitioning from subsistence livelihoods to a fully integrated money economy driven by commercial agriculture, industrialisation, services and information and communications technology (ICT).

He highlighted government interventions such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), saying they are intended to empower citizens, expand access to capital and support household wealth creation.

Museveni also emphasized the importance of efficient transport systems, noting that heavy cargo, including petroleum products, should increasingly be moved through pipelines and railways to preserve road infrastructure for passengers and light cargo.

The President further underscored the need for wider regional and continental markets, arguing that domestic demand alone cannot sustain large-scale economic growth. He pointed to East African and broader African integration as important avenues for expanding opportunities in production and trade.

He also highlighted continued growth and diversification across sectors including agriculture, industry, services and ICT, citing exports such as coffee, milk, fish, sugar, cement and bananas, alongside increased industrial output and improvements in electricity generation.

Reaffirming that peace and security remain the foundation of national development, Museveni called on leaders and citizens to embrace discipline, transparency and accountability in implementing government programmes.

According to the President, the “No More Sleep” message is ultimately a call for urgency, performance and collective effort in building a peaceful, prosperous and self-reliant Uganda.