The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Arua, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT| President Yoweri Museveni has singled out indiscpline on the roads as one barrier that needs to be overcome in Uganda’s drive to be considered fully stable. He urged the police to crackdown on reckless drivers, boda bodas (bicycles) and matatus (taxis).
“I have heard foreigners complain about the recklessness of drivers in Kampala. The police must insist on the proper road code, do not overtake when you are not supposed to overtake, don’t drive on the pavements,” he said at this year’s 32nd National Resistance Movement (NRM) and National Resistance Army (NRA) Liberation Day in Arua.
Museveni added that “Uganda is one of the most peaceful societies in the world today but indiscipline especially on the roads will scare away visitors to the country.”
He said today, Uganda attracts up to1.5 million tourists annually and earns up to $1.5billion, figures that would be higher if Uganda’s reputation as a stable and disciplined country are enhanced.
“Discipline on the road will enhance the reputation that Uganda is safe, it is a stable society is also disciplined. We have a record for being welcoming but let us add on the issue of discipline in driving.”
Exactly 32 years ago on this day, the National Resistance Army (NRA) handed the Uganda National Liberation Army (UNLA) regime a crashing defeat, taking over Kampala after a 5 year bush war.
As part of the celebrations, President Museveni awarded over 300 different categories of medals to distinguished Ugandans who have played critical roles both in the liberation of Uganda but also those others that have played key roles in advancing our country since 1962.
Among the recpients was Arua Municipality MP, Abraham Abiriga.
Museveni had earlier explained the key elements of the NRM ideology that have guided Uganda for 32 years, but stressed that social discpline should not be underlooked.
He mentioned education, liberalisation, infastructure and democracy as key in building the country and a middle class, and said the NRM’s correct ideological compass had ensured progress for the country.
“As Uganda is developing, and it will develop much faster…….I appeal to Ugandans to learn discipline. If you are in Kampala, and you see how reckless the boda boda’s drive and rogue taxi drivers are. You are now going to undermine our efforts to bring more people to Uganda,” he said.
This is an #Aerial Veiw of the NRA/NRM liberation day at Boma grounds in Arua Municipality and still counting. #LiberationDay18 (Courtesy of PPU) @NRMOnline @JustineLumumba @LutayaE @KiryowaKk pic.twitter.com/dXlSlG1klB
— Namuli Jane (@namulijane9) January 27, 2018
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