Adeke: Government Should Not Be Thanked for Doing Its Duty

What the report says

Soroti District Woman Representative Anna Adeke Ebaju has criticised a Parliament motion that seeks to thank President Yoweri Museveni for his State of the Nation Address, arguing that government should not be praised for carrying out its basic duties. According to Nile Post, she made the remarks during debate on the motion, which relates to the President’s June 4, 2026 address and the policy direction it outlined.

Adeke said responsibilities such as protecting citizens and helping evacuate Ugandans from danger abroad are obligations of the state, not favours to be applauded. She urged MPs to focus instead on holding government to account for service delivery gaps and on demanding practical solutions for citizens.

She also framed the issue as one of accountability, saying Ugandans pay taxes and should receive services and protection as a right. In her view, Parliament should not lower expectations by turning normal government duties into occasions for thanksgiving. She suggested that if appreciation is due, it should go to taxpayers who finance the state.

The report says her comments prompted mixed reactions in the House. Some Opposition MPs backed her call for stronger scrutiny of government performance, while lawmakers on the Government side defended the motion as a traditional way of recognising the President’s policy direction and areas of progress. The debate is expected to continue as MPs weigh the achievements and priorities highlighted in the address.