Politics is loud. But sometimes, words from old hands cut through noise.
Hon. Captain Mike Mukula, businessman, pilot, former Soroti Municipality MP, and NRM Vice Chairman Eastern, has sent “heartfelt congratulations” to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni ahead of swearing-in for 2026–2031 term.
Date set: 12 May 2026.
Message: Long, respectful, and heavy on economy.
Mukula called it “testimony to resilience, vision, patriotism”. Said Uganda continues on “path of transformation, stability, economic growth”.
But, key line was this: “Uganda is writing a powerful economic story before our eyes.”
What Mukula Actually Said — Without Politics
Forget party colors for minute. Read what the Captain wrote:
“Despite global uncertainty, our economy continues to show resilience, discipline, and promise. Growth projections are improving, infrastructure is expanding, investor confidence is rising, and strategic sectors like energy, technology, agriculture, and trade are opening new opportunities for millions.”
He gave credit to “managers of the economy, policymakers, entrepreneurs, workers”.
Then added: “What makes this moment special is not just the numbers on paper, but the possibility of transformation — better roads, stronger businesses, more jobs for young people, increased exports.”
That’s not rally talk. That’s boardroom talk.
Why This Message Lands Different in 2026
First, Mukula is not small boy in NRM. Former Minister. MP for 20 years. Pilot. Businessman. When he speaks economy, people listen. Especially in Teso, in Eastern.
Second, timing. Global uncertainty is real. Dollar high. Fuel prices mad. War in Europe, war in Middle East. But Uganda GDP still projected above 6% this year. Coffee exports breaking records. Oil money coming 2026/27.
Mukula’s line “sound monetary management, regional integration, and long-term planning are beginning to bear fruit” — that’s Bank of Uganda language. That’s PSFU language.
Third, he admitted “challenges remain”. Said “there is still work to do to ensure growth reaches every household”.
Ssebo, that’s important. Not blind praise. He knows youth in Soroti ask “where are jobs?” He knows mama in Mbale market asks “why is sugar 6k?”
But he added: “Optimism matters. Confidence matters. Momentum matters.”
The Economic Story Mukula Sees
Let’s break it. No jargon.
Infrastructure: Isimba is running. Karuma is running. Kampala–Jinja Expressway cutting soil. Standard Gauge Railway coming. That’s not paper. That’s cement.
Energy: Oil. Albertine. 230,000 barrels per day coming. Refinery. Pipeline to Tanga. That’s dollars.
Technology: Young Ugandans in Ntinda coding for US firms. SafeBoda, Tugende, Xente. Capital is entering.
Agriculture: Coffee at $4 per kilo. Dairy exports to Algeria. Maize to South Sudan. Farmer in Kapchorwa now has WhatsApp group for prices.
Trade: EAC now 8 countries. DRC joined. That’s 300M people market. Truck from Kampala hits Goma in 3 days.
Mukula calls it “vision becoming clearer every day”.
But, Let’s Be Honest Like Mukula Was
“Challenges remain.” He said it.
Debt is high. URA is squeezing. Youth unemployment still bites. Man in Kasese with degree still riding boda.
So why optimism?
Because, economy is like plane. Mukula knows — he’s pilot.
You don’t judge flight by turbulence. You judge by direction.
Uganda direction? Up. Slow, but up.
What Ordinary Ugandan Should Pick From Mukula’s Letter
First, “believe in future”. Sounds soft. But investor from Dubai reads Mukula, says “these people are stable”. He brings money. Money becomes factory. Factory becomes job.
Second, “every Ugandan contributing”. Not just Museveni. Not just ministers. Boda guy who pays tax. Farmer who increases yield. Girl coding in Hive Colab. You.
Third, “transformation better than numbers”. GDP can grow, but if your pocket empty, you abuse. So ask LC1: “Where is PDM money?” Ask MP: “Where is road?” Growth must land home.
What Elite Uganda Should Hear
Mukula closed with prayer: “May Almighty God continue to protect you, bless your leadership”.
Well, whether NRM, NUP, FDC — nobody prays for crash.
Elite must do two things:
Hold government on “growth reaches every household”. Don’t clap for macro numbers only.
Stop selling fear. Mukula said “confidence matters”. If you tell youth “Uganda is finished”, they won’t invest. They won’t try. They’ll run to Europe.
Last Word: May 12 Is Not Just Swearing-In
It’s audit day.
Mukula reminded Museveni: “History remembers leaders who remain steadfast through challenges”.
So, from 12 May 2026, we watch.
Roads. Jobs. Exports. Peace.
Mukula said “the pearl is rising, steadily and confidently”.
Our work? Make sure it rises for all — not just Kampala, not just big men.
Because as Captain said: “A nation grows when its people believe in its future.”
Today, do you believe?
That’s all.
Long live Uganda. Long live peace, unity, and progress.
