News Articles | MINISTRY OF ICT AND NATIONAL GUIDANCE

05 September 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI PLEDGES TO UPLIFT VETERANS FROM POVERTY

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has vowed to intensify efforts to improve the welfare of veterans who fought in Uganda’s liberation struggles, saying that it is unacceptable for those who risked their lives for the country’s freedom to languish in poverty. “It’s not good to have the veterans in poverty. It’s not good at all,” President Museveni told a gathering of veterans drawn from Luwero, Wakiso, Nakasongola, Kiboga, Kyankwanzi, and Nakaseke districts. He made the remarks on Wednesday, 3rd September, 2025, while delivering a lecture of opportunity and officially closing the Transformational Leadership Course Intake 07/2025 for veteran cadres at State House, Entebbe, blending reflections on Uganda’s historical liberation journey, the ideological foundation of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), and practical measures to empower ex-servicemen economically. The President emphasized that the sacrifices of the veterans, many of whom took part in the 1981–1986 liberation war, should not be betrayed by a life of deprivation. “The ones who are leaving now are going with better packages, but for those who sacrificed earlier, we must make up for the shortfalls. We shall do this through revolving funds, organized at the zone level,” he added, while encouraging veterans to organize themselves in structured associations and Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) through which the government can channel financial support. “We are giving money to the Kampala ghetto boys. Why can’t we give money to the SACCOs of veterans?” H.E. Museveni noted. President Museveni insisted that veterans must be integrated into the four key sectors of the modern economy—commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT – to ensure sustainable income and prosperity. He stressed that veterans without land should not be left behind. Instead, they could embrace trade, artisanship, or small-scale manufacturing. “If you don’t have land, then your option is to have omwoga—an economic activity that is not based on land. You can do maize milling, tailoring, carpentry, or other trades that generate income,” he said. Reflecting on the early stages of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) launched in 2013, President Museveni revealed that veterans were always intended to be the first beneficiaries. “I told General Saleh to first give seedlings to all the veteran families and those who supported us during the war. Only after that should others benefit. But I later heard some veterans missed out because they lacked land,” the President noted. President Museveni used the same platform to revisit the three historical missions of the NRM, which are anchored in four ideological principles: patriotism, pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy that shaped Uganda’s liberation struggle, beginning with prosperity for all. He explained that genuine prosperity comes from every individual or family producing goods and services for sale, not from dependency or handouts. To illustrate these principles, the President recounted how his father, Mzee Kaguta, sold cattle in cultural auction markets in Ntungamo to raise his school fees, with support from traders like Walusimbi Mpanga and Bukenya who were not of their tribe. This experience, he said, showed that prosperity relies not only on local communities but also on broader national and regional markets. “I like the story of how I went to school. I was able to go to the school system in the 1950s and 1960s when the school system was for paying. How did I manage? How did Mr. Kaguta manage to pay my school fees? Kaguta had traditional cows, but he had no money. The only way he could get money was from the traders. A trader was coming from Kampala, here called Walusimbi Mpanga. He would come all the way to all those areas in Ntungamo and buy our cows. So that's how Kaguta now converts his cows into money, and he's able to pay my school fees and do a few other things,” he said, adding that the prosperity of the Banyankore and any other tribe depends more on Uganda. Why East African integration matters: The President delved into Uganda’s surplus production challenges, underscoring the role of regional markets. He said Uganda produces 5.3 billion liters of milk annually but consumes only 800 million. The same applies to other products like maize, where 5 million tons are produced against local consumption of 1 million, and sugar, where Uganda produces 700,000 tons against the domestic demand of 300,000 tons. President Museveni explained that without regional and continental markets, Uganda’s industries would collapse under the weight of excess production. “Fortunately, there is a regional market that buys our extra milk, beef, and maize. So that's why we say we need East Africa, we need Africa for our own prosperity. And that's why we say the second principle is pan-Africanism; Love Africa. Why? Because you need it for your own good,” he said. On behalf of the veterans, Captain (Rtd) Leonard Settimba delivered a memorandum outlining concerns and requests, which included a revolving fund, requesting the government to channel affordable loans through Wazalendo SACCO or other institutions to support their income-generating ventures. They also proposed an annual national day to celebrate and reunite Kadogos and bush war fighters, which would also serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made for Uganda’s freedom. The veterans expressed fears of land evictions but were assured by the President that no one would be removed from their land provided they pay busuulu (ground rent). Brigadier General Justus Rukundo, Commandant of the Oliver Reginald Tambo Leadership School and Pan-African Centre of Excellence (ORTLS-PACEX), Kaweweta, thanked the President for supporting the training of veteran cadres. He revealed that the school has trained 15 intakes of officers of different ranks and continues to rejuvenate ideological clarity and leadership skills among veterans. The school is currently constructing a 20-room guest house named “ANC” in honor of South Africa’s African National Congress and Oliver Tambo. Plans for a learning auditorium and a senior officers’ dormitory await funding. The ceremony drew high-level attendance, including Hon. Alice Kaboyo, Minister of State for the Luwero Triangle and Rwenzori Region; Maj. Gen. David Mugisha, Commander of the Special Forces Command; Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Phinehas Kitirima, NRM District Chairperson for Sembabule; Maj. Gen. James Kiwanuka, UPDF Joint Staff for Human Resource Management; Maj. Gen. Steven Mugerwa, UPDF 1st Division Commander, and Maj. Gen. Felix Kulayigye, Director of Defence Public Information.

04 September 2025

MBARARA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT PROJECT GETS PRESIDENTIAL BOOST

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today met and held discussions with China-based consortium proposing to build and develop an international airport in Nyakisharara, Mbarara district. The meeting took place at State House, Entebbe. The project, presented to the President by Base 7 Aviation International Academy and their consultants, Hamster Business Solutions, aims to transform the region's economic landscape. According to officials from Base 7 Aviation International Academy, Mr. Mugabi Charles and Ms. Alexandria Judith Kyakunzire, three firms will drive the project: Hunan Construction and Investment Engineering company will handle construction, China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute will oversee feasibility and design, and Blackrock Uwekeza will finance and operate the airport on a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) model. President Museveni welcomed the group and pledged support for the construction of an iconic international airport in Mbarara, specifically at Nyakisharara. He said the group should coordinate with the government’s technical team to finalize the project. The President also emphasized the importance of this infrastructure project, stating that Uganda needs the airport to boost its economy, create jobs, and promote tourism and agriculture. During the consultants’ presentation, the President interjected with appreciation for the project, reflecting on the area's history and stressing the need to preserve the environment throughout the development process. Mr. Bethuel Macharia of Blackrock Uwekeza expressed enthusiasm for financing the entire project, highlighting the potential for significant economic growth. Consultants, Mr Eddie Kisitu and Mr. Abubakar Kaseruuzi of Hamster Business Solutions showcased the benefits of the airport, including facilitating transit between Latin America, China, Indonesia, and Australia, which would generate enormous revenue for Uganda and the region. The airport is expected to facilitate regional routes and have a profound impact on Uganda's economy, with projections suggesting it could triple the country's economic output. The Project is set to be up and running by 2030 under the President's initiative: Party and Term Oriented Delivery.

03 September 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI CALLS ON UGANDAN DIASPORA TO REGISTER FOR BETTER GOVERNMENT PLANNING

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on Ugandans living abroad to formally register with the government through their respective associations, saying the process will enable the state to plan better for them and deepen engagement between Uganda and its diaspora community. The President made the appeal on Tuesday, 2nd September, 2025 at State Lodge, Nakasero while addressing a delegation of National Resistance Movement (NRM) party members from across the globe, many of whom had travelled to Kampala to participate in the recently concluded NRM Delegates Conference. “What is crucial now is to know the Ugandans, name by name, country by country, so that we know how to plan for them. Do you agree with that?” President Museveni asked the gathering, attracting a resounding “yes” from representatives from more than 20 countries. President Museveni underscored the importance of accurate data on Ugandans living abroad, stressing that the initiative is not limited to NRM supporters. He explained that the government intends to map out the diaspora comprehensively to create better support structures, strengthen ties, and unlock opportunities for investment and development. “We need to know all the diaspora, whether they are NRM or not. Then the NRM people will have their own leadership elected by themselves, and even the other bigger diaspora, if they want, can have their own structures, whether they support NRM or not,” the President said. He emphasized that the registration drive would not only help determine the true number of Ugandans abroad, which has often been estimated at around four million, but also ensure that the government can engage with them more effectively. “You may be saying we are talking of four million, but when they are not there. They may be less or more,” he added, drawing applause from the delegates. The registration process will be spearheaded by the NRM’s Director of External Affairs, Maj. (Rtd). Awich Pollar, in collaboration with State House staff led by Ms. Barbra Barungi. The President directed them to work with Ugandan community leaders in each country to facilitate a transparent and inclusive registration process. “You must work with the people on the ground, country by country, so that you can register Ugandans who want to be registered. The diaspora is not only NRM. There is a diaspora who are not NRM, but these are Ugandans,” H.E. Museveni emphasized. President Museveni acknowledged that past efforts to organize Ugandans abroad have not been “very clear” but said the government was determined to set up more streamlined structures going forward. “What is clear is that the organization has not been very clear. Let’s start now,” he said. Among the countries represented at the meeting were the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Scotland, Australia, Egypt, Sudan, South Africa, China, Qatar, Turkey and Wales. Diaspora to have a direct voice in investment: In a bid to enhance diaspora participation in Uganda’s development, President Museveni announced that a special position will be created within the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) to represent Ugandans abroad. “Therefore, for the investments, I will appoint one of you once you recommend him or her as a deputy director of the Uganda Investment Authority. So that when you come, you go to him directly without going through other people,” the President pledged. Maj. (Rtd). Pollar elaborated on the constitutional framework that anchors NRM structures abroad. He explained that Article 25 of the NRM Constitution provides that where 20 or more Ugandans in a foreign country wish to associate under the party, they may form an NRM branch. Such a branch holds the same status as an NRM district within Uganda. “This means that NRM UK, for instance, is equivalent to NRM Mbarara, Hoima, or Soroti district,” Maj. (Rtd). Pollar explained. He further noted that branches could establish smaller units, such as cells in different cities. “If you’re in America, you can have cells in Boston and Washington; that is a provision in Article 25 of the NRM Constitution,” he said. According to Maj. (Rtd). Pollar, 20 active NRM diaspora branches were represented at the recent Delegates Conference, and they duly qualified to attend the National Executive Committee and national conference proceedings. “Now that His Excellency has guided us, we can go back and concretize these guidelines drafted by Dr. Tanga Odoi, and we will conduct elections accordingly,” he added. Speaking on behalf of the diaspora delegates, Mr. Philip Kakuru thanked the President for meeting them at short notice and reaffirmed their commitment to contributing to Uganda’s development. “We would like to thank God for your tireless commitment and devotion to our country and the continent. We in the diaspora feel honored that when we mention your name, they salute all of us courtesy of your great work of Pan-Africanism that you have done on the continent,” Mr. Kakuru said. He explained that the Ugandan diaspora are eager to become a recognized constituency, playing an active role in nation-building through investment, advocacy, and community development initiatives.

02 September 2025

COL. NAKALEMA EMPHASIZES COLLABORATION AMONG GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS TO TACKLE SOCIAL SERVICE NEEDS

The Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col. Edith Nakalema has emphasized that coordination is crucial among government institutions if they are to tackle the emerging social needs of the younger generation. “In charting a way forward, we are however cognizant of our demographic landscape which is tilted towards the youthful population. Therefore, our united front as public sector agencies is not just a show off. Working together as government institutions is now more than necessary to tackle the emerging social service needs of the younger generation,” she said. Col. Nakalema made the remarks today during a third meeting of leaders of government agencies held at SHIPU offices in Kampala. She explained that this particular meeting aimed at agreeing on precise steps on what leaders of government agencies need to do to get citizens to appreciate the work of government as a whole. “The purpose of this particular convening is therefore to align our strategies on how to engage with the citizenry on the gains in our respective mandates,” she said. “This is what makes our collective loyalty to effective service delivery indispensable in steering a whole of government approach to addressing the felt needs of citizens.” She also thanked the officials for their commitment to the initiative and for their enthusiasm to deliver positive results across their individual mandates. “Accordingly, I do not see this as just an ad hoc initiative. I'm convinced that your zeal in coming together and the ideas you bring to the table are loaded with power to reshape the outlook of public service in this country. This is the good will and intellectual direction that we must leverage in service to our nation and the generations that will come after us.” “We must also agree on the messages we take in the media, we should not work in silos.” Dr. Barirega Akankwasah, Executive Director, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) noted that the initiative brings together like-minded CEOs of government agencies who conceptualize ideas that could steer socio-economic transformation in Uganda. He also urged leaders to unlock their spheres of influence in order to fully have impact in society. “If you are a CEO and you cannot influence an idea in your LC 1 then there's a problem,” he said. The Principal of Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Prof. Bruce Kirenga tasked the leaders to quickly implement their strategies so that they are able to fulfill the initiative’s goal of showcasing the government's gains to the general public. “Get the right channel to deliver the information to the public on what your agency has done like the media, among channels.” The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) Registrar General, Ms. Mercy Kainobwisho suggested that as leaders, they should come up with a sector-based achievement strategy that highlights their contributions in their respective sectors. “We should as well emphasise community impact of our contributions through community engagements. I think we also need to simplify our language for communication purposes to the public.” The Executive Director of Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA), Dr. Ezra Muhumuza, said government Ministries, Departments and Agencies have a civic obligation to give feedback to the public on the implementation progress/achievements of the elected manifesto. He further highlighted “earned value analysis” as one of the simple tools agencies could use to measure growth. “That shows where we were, where we are and where we want to go. This tool shows the policy action that has been undertaken, the impact those actions have resulted into and what these results will be if similar policy action is upheld.” On his part, Eng. Kenneth Kaijuka, CEO, National Housing and Construction Company Uganda (NHCC-UG) urged fellow leaders to package information they want to give to the public in a positive way for positive results. “We need to have command in that field of packaging,” he urged. Dr. Edward Katende, Executive Director, Uganda Development Forum explained that the 10-fold growth strategy is a good development target and as leaders, they need to help the government to explain to the citizens how the strategy will help them translate into the money economy. The Director of Government Citizen Interaction Centre (GCIC), Ms. Marcella Karekye cautioned the leaders against giving out unnecessary information which sometimes does a disservice to the government. Additionally, she suggested that agencies should hold regional tours to engage the public and create awareness of government achievements.

02 September 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI COMMISSIONS FISH FEED FACTORY IN BUIKWE

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today commissioned the De Heus Fish Feed Factory in Njeru, Buikwe District, the first of its kind in Uganda. De Heus Uganda is a top fish feed manufacturer and aquaculture feed supplier in Uganda, and the company is part of Royal De Heus, a Dutch family-owned business active in milling for over 300 years. De Heus is one of the top ten animal nutrition companies globally. De Heus is best known in Uganda for its brand Koudijs, which has been active in the country since 2018 and leads in various livestock categories with its trusted quality. Commissioning the factory, the President expressed gratitude to De Heus for helping Uganda to resolve the vital area of manufacturing fish feeds within the country. He said he has already allocated land to them in Bukalasa to also produce poultry feeds. President Museveni explained that during his recent countrywide tours on the Parish Development Model (PDM), it was brought to his attention that fish farmers had a challenge of feeds, which prompted him to direct UPDF’s National Enterprise Corporation to find ways of manufacturing them. However, with De Heus’ factory in place, Uganda has been relieved of that burden. “This is really a very happy coincidence because recently I was touring the country checking on our PDM where fish farming is one of the seven activities for small farmers; coffee, fruits, dairy, food crops, poultry for eggs, piggery and fish farming. When I was touring, I was told the problem is fish feed. I didn't know this was a problem because I thought we had planners in the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development,” he said. “But now this is a better solution, than the one I was trying through the army company because first of all these people are bringing in new capital from outside which relieves us from finding budget money for the army company to produce the feeds. I will now ring the army people and tell them to do other things. Secondly, these are the people with long experience on how to do it well.” He also assured the investors of ready and cheap raw materials that will enable them to manufacture the feeds. President Museveni also reiterated his plan of helping farmers who grow rice in swamps to shift to more profitable fish farming at the periphery of wetlands. “Rice growing in the swamps was a big mistake because it affects the rain system of Uganda. It is very dangerous,” he urged. “I'm eyeing the USD 80 million which the Ambassador has announced here, you empower me so that we can come up with more fish-ponds like that in the Limoto and then win those people from the swamp to the periphery. We shall have very powerful fish rearing efforts in the whole country because the swamps are so many. They can absorb many of those youths.” He however advised that rice growers who are not willing to shift to fish farming can resort to growing it on dry land or upland with the help of irrigation. On the other hand, President Museveni revealed that Europe can do a lot of business in Uganda, noting that Africa has a ready market for manufactured products and services. “I'm happy that the Netherlands have realized the importance of investment in Africa.” The Minister of State for Fisheries, Hon. Hellen Adoa, thanked President Museveni for his visionary leadership that has created an enabling environment, critical for successful investments. “The biggest challenge we have been having in the Agriculture Ministry is the issue of fish feed. It has been a big challenge. The fish in Uganda has not been having any feed except we had to import but now we manufacture it here,” she said. The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Uganda, H.E Frederieke Quispel commended the good working relationship between her country and Uganda that has enabled De Heus to successfully invest in the East African country. “The collaboration between Uganda and the Netherlands is at its best. Your Excellency, what makes both countries good partners in business, I think, it's because we are both historical agricultural nations; our economies are built on agriculture. The Netherlands are the largest Foreign Direct Investors in Uganda,” she said. “Your Excellency, your vision for Uganda’s economy is very clear and inspiring and I have to say that you instructed your ambassador very well because the first time I met the Ambassador, we moved along well immediately and what we talked about mostly was investment; promoting trade and investment between the Netherlands and Uganda. I must say your ambassador has a keen eye for investment opportunities and I think this factory would not be here without her effort.” The Ambassador of Uganda to the Netherlands, H.E Mirjam Blaak Sow lauded the Kingdom of the Netherlands for the support and partnership with Uganda that has enabled investments to flourish. “Since Ambassador Frederieke came to Uganda, she has really shown an energetic and youthful way of handling the matters. You are always ready to shake up where it is needed. We really appreciate it,” she noted. The CEO of De Heus Animal Nutrition, Mr. Co de Heus revealed that to ensure that their investment in developing countries would be successful, they created a professional support organization in the Netherlands with the objective of making their foreign business unit equally professional like the mother company in the Netherlands. “The support involves many disciplines from formulation, product management, quality control, production, animal husbandry training programs, raw material procurement to ICT and finance support,” he said. “Our investments have always focused on growing demand and the need for capital and know-how. I think this tricky investment field explains to a larger extent why we became successful and became one of the leading animal nutrition companies in the whole world selling approximately 13 million tonnes of feed this year.” He noted that supplying fish farmers with quality feed and supporting them with services that make them better farmers has also contributed to the success of their company. The Managing Director of De Heus Uganda, Mr. Bon Tjeenk Willink thanked President Museveni for the support that has enabled the company to achieve such a milestone. He also revealed that De Heus has been in Uganda’s fish sector since 2018. “Fish here is not just any other product, it's a large part of culture and many Ugandans love it. Uganda is one of the best places for our fish,” Mr. Bon said. He also noted that Uganda has been relying on imported fish feeds but with the new factory in place, that is history now. “For the last two years, we have invested nearly USD25 million and today before you, stands the largest fish feed factory in East Africa. At full capacity, this facility can produce up to 100,000 tonnes of fish feed each year, supporting 7000- 10,000 jobs.” The event was also attended by the Minister of State in the office of the Vice President, also Buikwe District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Diana Mutasingwa, Members of Parliament, among other leaders.

01 September 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI OPENS UGANDA DEVELOPMENT FINANCE SUMMIT, CALLS FOR VISION, INTEGRITY AND PATIENT CAPITAL

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has emphasized the central role of development finance institutions in Africa’s transformation, urging planners and financiers to strike a careful balance between infrastructure spending and “results-generating projects” that draw millions of Ugandans into the money economy. The President, who was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, made the remarks today as he officially opened the inaugural Uganda Development Finance Summit at the Commonwealth Resort Hotel, Munyonyo. The two-day conference, hosted by the Uganda Development Bank (UDB), brought together policymakers, government leaders, development financiers, the private sector, and international partners to deliberate on how development finance can accelerate Africa’s social and economic transformation. “Recently, we had to struggle with the PDM. We diverted money there to help villagers join the money economy. When they do that, production goes up, but you still have other demands, like infrastructure. You can have a nice road, but you have nothing to transport on that road if there’s no production,” he said, after sharing a candid observation about Uganda’s recent fiscal choices, particularly the diversion of resources to the Parish Development Model (PDM). The President argued that national planners must carefully balance investments that yield immediate productivity with those that merely provide utility without addressing structural poverty. He recalled traveling in 1965 from Mbarara to Soroti in a school bus to play cricket and football on a tarmac road that existed. “That road was already tarmac, and we have done it several times since, but you still have poor people along the road. That is why we said, “Let’s decelerate a bit on infrastructure spending and deal with those outside the money economy.” Give them cheap capital so they join production,” H.E. Museveni explained. The President also faulted post-independence technocrats for directing resources to social infrastructure like schools and health centres while neglecting fundamental economic enablers like electricity and railways. “Even when they talked of roads, they never mentioned the railway, never mentioned electricity. Yet these are the backbone of a capitalist economy. How can a capitalist not know how money is generated? Road transport is expensive compared to rail, and without electricity, how do you get affordable inputs for production?” he wondered, further expressing gratitude to the European Union for supporting the rehabilitation of the standard gauge railway but lamenting what he described as irrational development financing. “All the traffic, the cargo, the fuel tankers, and the passengers are on a few roads. Rationally, the railway should carry cargo cheaply, the pipeline should move fuel, and roads should serve passengers and light cargo. But this rationalization is impossible because funding for infrastructure is difficult to get and when you get it, it is only for roads—never for railways, never for electricity,” he emphasized. Why Uganda needed UDB: Tracing back to the 1960s and the limitations of private capital, President Museveni said it became clear early on that relying on private savings or foreign direct investment alone would not propel Uganda into industrialization. “Your own people had no savings, and when they had money, they squandered it. Foreign investment could not easily be attracted compared to China. That is why I insisted we needed a Uganda Development Bank – a government institution that is not looking for profit but gives capital for infrastructure and wealth creation,” he said, underscoring that the role of the Uganda Development Bank is to provide patient capital to finance and transform the four sectors where true wealth is generated, namely, commercial agriculture, manufacturing and artisanship, services such as tourism and ICT. “People don’t understand. Wealth is personal, but development is collective. Development is for the drunkards, the witch doctors, everybody. But wealth is in those four sectors. That is why our answer was UDB,” he said. Turning to the broader continental context, President Museveni stressed that successful cities and industries need not only cheap money, electricity, and transport, but also markets. “As a strategist, I can tell you that integration of the African market is a matter of life and death. Without a big market, you cannot grow. That is the difference between the United States and Latin America. Latin America has water, minerals, everything, but remains poor because of market fragmentation,” H.E. Museveni argued, saying that Uganda and other African countries must relentlessly pursue market integration, not just through rhetoric but through political will and decisive action. President Museveni criticized Africa’s failure to capture value from its own resources, giving the example of coffee. “You produce a kilo of coffee and get $2.5. Somebody processes it into Nescafé and sells it for $40. Who is the donor? You are the donor, but you don’t know,” he said. He challenged international financiers to channel patient capital to Africa, noting that China had already demonstrated the viability of such investments in Uganda. “With Chinese money, we built Isimba Dam and now produce electricity at 4.8 cents per kilowatt hour. With Karuma, we produce at 2.8 cents. When we finish paying the loans, the cost will fall to 1.2 cents. That is transformation. That is what development means,” President Museveni said. President Museveni also highlighted the two qualities needed for Africa’s transformation, which are vision and integrity, saying that at independence, Uganda’s economy was producing only the three Cs and three Ts—coffee, copper, cotton, tobacco, tourism, and tea, where only 9% of households were in the money economy and 91% were outside. “So, if you were a leader then, what was your vision? Policymakers must be like doctors—diagnose the disease, prescribe the cure,” he said, urging Ugandans to embrace saving and capital accumulation, stressing that development requires sacrifice and patience. On the other hand, the President blamed commercial banks for what he termed “greed and dependency creation.” “How do you lend at 22% per annum when inflation is below 5%? At such rates, people cannot do serious business, only quick import trade—perfumes and wines. These banks are engines of Africa’s dependence,” he said. He reiterated that UDB remains the answer to financing productive sectors with affordable credit. “This one is ours. It will not run away. It is a guarantee,” President Museveni said. At the same summit, the Minister of Finance, Hon. Matia Kasaija, said the event came at a timely moment for Uganda and Africa. “Africa has immense potential and is poised to grow faster than most regions of the world. In 2024, five of the ten fastest-growing economies were in Africa. Uganda grew at 6%, compared to a world average of 2.7%,” he said, further projecting that Uganda’s GDP, nearly $50 billion in 2023, would rise to $500 billion by 2040, anchored on agro-industrialization, tourism, mineral development, including oil and gas, and ICT innovation. He emphasized UDB’s role in unlocking finance for these anchor sectors. Dr. Patricia Ojangole, Managing Director of UDB, underscored that national development banks are central to building resilient and inclusive financial systems. “Development finance institutions have propelled transformation globally. Asia’s rise and Brazil’s growth are credited to strong national development banks. Uganda was visionary in keeping UDB alive when others closed theirs during structural adjustment,” she said. Dr. Ojangole noted that while commercial banks channel 45% of credit to non-productive sectors like real estate, UDB directs over 80% to agriculture, manufacturing, energy, water for production, education, and health. “With climate change, digital transformation, and shrinking fiscal space, the role of NDBs is greater than ever. We must use innovative instruments like blended finance, finance digital infrastructure, and develop pipelines of bankable projects,” she said. Mr. Geoffrey T. Kihuguru, Chairman of the UDB Board, equally stressed that development finance is central to Africa’s transformation. “We meet at a time of overlapping crises, geopolitical tensions, disrupted value chains, and climate change; yet Africa faces the urgent task of creating jobs for its youthful population. Development banks, working with DFIs, are uniquely placed to design instruments that expand inclusion, finance underdeveloped regions, and drive industrialization,” he said. The ceremony was also attended by among others, the Minister of State for Investment and Privatization, Hon. Evelyn Anite; Members of Parliament; Members of the diplomatic corps; the heads of development finance institutions and partner organizations; representatives of civil society and the private sector.

30 August 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI POSITIONS INDUSTRIALIZATION AS KEY DRIVER FOR UGANDA’S TRANSFORMATION

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reaffirmed that Uganda’s future lies in industrialization, describing it as the surest path to wealth creation, modernization, and mass employment. The President made the remarks yesterday while commissioning four new factories and laying the foundation for the construction of nine more at the Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park. The Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park is a significant industrial development centre located in Eastern Uganda's Mbale city. The park, which currently hosts 73 factories with 54 already in operation employs about 11,000 Ugandans. The commissioned four factories included; Unisteel Investment Uganda limited, Nice textiles Uganda limited, Xinlon textile and garment technology co. ltd and Timber Paper Industry Uganda Company Limited. The nine factories to be constructed include; Elgon Steel Uganda Limited, Myno Technology Company Limited, Shengtang Machinery Manufacturing Limited, Yangtze Industry Limited, Futian Hardware Uganda Limited, Planetic Industries SMC Limited, Hai Lan Industries Limited, Aofan Garments Company Limited, and Hercules Automobile Manufacturing Uganda Limited. During the commissioning, the President explained that from the beginning the NRM’s vision was clear and that without a clear vision a country cannot move forward. “To create wealth, we have four sectors; sector one is commercial agriculture, where people should learn how to make money through agriculture, comprising crops, livestock and fisheries. The second sector is factories; manufacturing which is to process and preserve and add value to what is produced in agriculture, in minerals. The third sector is services, including; transport, hospitality and so on, and the fourth sector is ICT, but the sectors which create more jobs are mainly manufacturing and services.” He explained that developed countries have fewer people in agriculture but more in industries and services, urging Ugandans to embrace the same shift. “In the USA, only 2% of the people are in agriculture. Here you still have many Bagisu in the mountains on one acre of land that is not sustainable. We must shift more people into industries and services. That is part of modernization,” he said. Recalling his teaching years in the 1970s, the President said: “ In the 1970s, I was teaching economics. I took time to teach at Moshi Cooperative College for two years, and one of the subjects I used to teach was economics, and one of the topics was characteristics of backwardness. And one of them was finding too many people in agriculture.” The President noted that industrial parks like Mbale are transforming Uganda from towns of shops into towns of industries, producing goods once imported from abroad. “Now you see the difference. So many of the things we used to uproot from outside are now made here like the telephones, televisions, paper and steel.” Highlighting the park’s impact, President Museveni said industries not only create jobs but also strengthen the economy by consuming power and supporting agriculture. “This park employs 11,000 people and consumes up to 50 megawatts of power, soon 100. These industries need food, so the Bagisu in the hills should grow food to supply this big workforce. That is how we link agriculture to industry,” the President said. He thanked the Chinese investors for their role in Uganda’s transformation. “I want to thank Mr. Zhang and our Chinese friends for helping us transform our country. I am glad to be here to open new factories and lay foundation stones for more. All the issues you raised, including the floods, will be solved immediately.” The President also revealed that the management had requested an additional 600 acres to expand the park into a new industrial city. President Museveni further underscored the growing strength of Uganda’s manufacturing sector. “Today, manufacturing employs 1.2 million Ugandans more than the 480,000 in public service,” he said. On her part, the Minister of State for Investment and Privatisation, Hon. Evelyn Anite, praised the President’s consistent drive for industrialization and commended the resilience of workers and investors in Mbale. “I salute all of you who work in the industrial park. Your Excellency, you have not only saved these young people but also walked the talk of industrialization, you have done an excellent job, and that is why we are now talking of 1.2 million people employed under this industry. May the good Lord bless you and protect you,” she said. Mr. Paul Zhang, Chairman of Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park, also expressed gratitude for the government’s support. “Your Excellency, thank you for supporting Mbale Industrial Park. More than 10,000 Ugandans have jobs because of this project. Without your support, we would have nothing to do.” The commissioning was also attended by leaders including Hon. David Bahati, State Minister for Industry, Hajjat Faridah Kibowa, Chairperson of the National Women Council, among others.

29 August 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI HOSTS US AMBASSADOR H.E WILLIAM W. POPP

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today hosted the Ambassador of the United States of America (USA) to Uganda, H.E William W. Popp at State Lodge, Nakasero. The two leaders engaged in fruitful discussions on trade, bilateral relations, and followed up on the President’s recent phone conversation with the U.S. Secretary of State, His Excellency Marco Rubio. Also in attendance were Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, and Mr. Ramathan Ggoobi, Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.

28 August 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI REITERATES NRM’S MESSAGE ON POVERTY ERADICATION AT HOUSEHOLD LEVEL

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reiterated his call to Ugandans to embrace the National Resistance Movement (NRM)’s message on poverty eradication at household level. This, he said, will enable the nation to achieve the highly desired socio-economic transformation. “There are still 33% of the Ugandan households, who are still trapped in subsistence farming i.e. they work for the stomach only. This is dangerous in the modern era, where all goods and services needed to sustain life must be bought with money,” he said. The President made the remarks today in his message delivered by the Special Presidential Assistant on Press and Mobilization also State House's Deputy Spokesperson, Haji Faruk Kirunda during the 12th Anniversary of Busoga Farmers’ Resource Centre celebrations in Namutumba District. According to President Museveni, the government has put in place the necessary conditions to ensure the profitability of the enterprises that would enable Ugandans to create wealth. “The necessary conditions include the good roads, electricity, peace and security; integration of the Ugandan market to the regional, African and international markets; pursuing policies that favour the private sector, etc,” he noted. “However, these economic advantages, that the NRM has created, must be translated into jobs and wealth for the households, in order for this development to be meaningful. The Parish Development Model and the wealth funds, are aimed at increasing the number of wealth creators engaged in production.” President Museveni further commended the founder of Busoga Farmers Resource Centre, Pastor Dauson Musasizi for his visionary leadership that has enabled the centre to develop and stay active for all those years. “He has been able to inspire the believers to not only work to go to heaven; but also, to work towards achieving prosperity while on earth. It is important to note that human beings have both spiritual and physical needs. The Churches and the other places of worship i.e. Mosques, etc., cater for people’s spiritual needs,” he said. “There are also physical needs for food, water, shelter, medicine, hospitals, schools, clothes, transport, jobs, etc. In a modern economy, you cannot obtain the goods and services, which are necessary to sustain life, without money.” He explained that money-lessness is solved by undertaking a profitable enterprise in one of the four sectors of: commercial agriculture, industries, services and ICT. “These are the four sectors where you can create jobs and wealth. Therefore, I am happy to note that Pastor Dauson Musasizi is following the NRM line of pursuing both spiritual ends and the physical ends. In the process of working for heaven, some of the faithful become negligent about their earthly responsibilities and thereby end up perpetuating poverty in their homes,” he said. “If we have spiritually seen the light, then we must do the same economically. We cannot see the spiritual light yet stay in economic darkness. Jesus Christ left a good example. He was deeply religious; but, also earned his living by working alongside his father, Joseph as a carpenter. He worked for both the spiritual and socio-economic uplift of his family and society. This is what all Christians must emulate.” On the other hand, Haji Kirunda delivered a Shs30 million donation from President Museveni to Pastor Musasizi. On his part, Pastor Musasizi thanked President Museveni for his able leadership and commitment to uplifting the lives of Ugandans through wealth creation interventions. He also revealed that due to their productive work in the agriculture sector, the centre was last year awarded as the best organic farm in Uganda. “Every product you see here on the farm is organic. Even on Labor Day, I was given a medal by H.E the President due to my impact in the agriculture sector,” he said. He also urged leaders to encourage the people to take part in agriculture for purposes of food security and making money out of it. Apostle Alex Mitala expressed gratitude to Pastor Musasizi for his life-changing project impacting on Ugandans. “Those who know us well, know that we don't believe in laziness, we believe in hard work, that's why we are here to celebrate with Pastor Dauson for this milestone,” he said. “It takes a lot of hard work and commitment to sensitize people for a positive outcome and Pastor Dauson has been able to do so.” Mr. Byentaka Tony, Agricultural Engineer- Namutumba, who represented Dr. Apollo Musita, the District Production Officer, said the production department has been in close cooperation with the farm especially during the last four out of the 12 years of existence. “We predicted a viable, sustainable and diversified farm production in the near future. The farm’s steady transformation has been largely determined by the practically oriented and well-focused host farmer Pastor Musasizi. He has been very effective at seeking any possible knowledge and advice from both technical and local farming stakeholders,” he said. “In addition to technical support, the department is planning to provide a large-scale hatchery for boosting poultry production as a demonstration to the local farming community.” Busoga Farmers Resource Centre is a mixed farm located at Namboote village, Nsinze sub county, Namutumba District and it was started in 2013 by Pastor Musasizi out of desire to be an exemplary pastor not depending on offertory. What started as a small project on two acres has now emerged as a mindset change centre where people from Uganda and outside countries come to benchmark on the one-acre and four-acre model. Once a year, a big agriculture camp is hosted at the centre where many come to see and learn, especially those in the Pentecostal circles. Now seated on 40 acres, the centre is envisioned to develop into a university of applied agriculture.

27 August 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI ENDORSED AS NRM FLAG BEARER AND NATIONAL CHAIRMAN AHEAD OF 2026 ELECTIONS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially accepted and welcomed his endorsement as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential flagbearer for the 2026 general elections and as National Chairman of the ruling party for the 2025–2031 term. The endorsement, which came unopposed, was announced on Wednesday 27 August, 2025, during the first meeting of the fifth NRM National Conference held at the Kololo Independence Grounds, attended by more than 23,000 delegates from across the country. Accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataha Museveni, the President expressed gratitude to the party and its structures for entrusting him with the leadership mantle once again. “I thank you for entrusting me to be your Chairman of the NRM for the period 2025–2031. Thank you so much,” President Museveni told the gathering. “Thank you for electing me as your flag bearer for the presidential contest for the position of President of Uganda for 2026–2031. I will not let you down. We have got more capacity now than ever before,” he added. He further praised the masses of NRM members across the country, the Central Executive Committee (CEC), the National Executive Council (NEC), and the National Conference delegates for supporting his expression of interest in both positions. The Secretary General of the NRM, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, informed delegates that the party’s top organs, including the CEC and NEC, had unanimously endorsed President Museveni as the sole presidential flag bearer for the 2026 general election. “The Central Executive Committee and the National Executive Council strongly recommended and endorsed His Excellency General (Retired) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the NRM presidential flag bearer, unopposed,” Rt. Hon. Todwong stated. Similarly, the NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, declared President Museveni unopposed for both the NRM National Chairperson and Presidential flag bearer positions. “On behalf of the NRM Electoral Commission, I now present to the conference the candidate Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for the position of Presidential flag bearer,” Dr. Odoi announced, to resounding applause. Alongside President Museveni’s endorsement, Al-Hajji Moses Kigongo was also re-elected unopposed as the First National Vice Chairperson of the NRM. H.E. Museveni congratulated him, describing him as a “senior cadre of the NRM who has served the party since 1980.” The President also extended congratulations to the newly elected leaders of various NRM party positions. However, he offered a word of caution and advice. “I congratulate you, but I want to give you advice. Be the leaders who solve the solvable problems, and the people will love you. But don’t carry the population on your head. Lead them by using government resources, not your own money. This is where corruption comes about, by trying to fund everything, yet you don’t even have enough money,” H.E. Museveni cautioned. The conference marked a pivotal moment in Uganda’s political calendar, with delegates choosing the leaders who will steer the party through the next five years. A historical and economic reflection: President Museveni also took delegates through a detailed reflection on Uganda’s economic history, from colonial times to the present, highlighting the transformation achieved under the NRM since 1986. He noted that at independence in 1962, Uganda’s economy was narrowly based on six key exports—the “3Cs” (Coffee, Cotton, Copper) and the “3Ts” (Tea, Tourism, Tobacco). This enclave economy covered just 9% of homesteads, leaving 91% of Ugandans in subsistence farming. By the time Idi Amin’s regime collapsed in 1979, cotton, copper, tea, and tourism had collapsed, leaving only coffee and tobacco “limping on.” The economy had been reduced to informal survival mechanisms like magendo (smuggling), kibaanda (forex black market), and kusamula (speculation). The NRM, he said, took on the task of reviving the economy through five distinct phases: Minimum Economic Recovery—restoring collapsed sectors and reforming the economy, Expansion of the Enclave Economy—boosting production of coffee, tea, tourism, etc., Diversification—commercializing subsistence crops like maize, bananas, milk, beef, cassava, and sugarcane, Value Addition—processing raw materials locally to increase earnings and jobs—and Knowledge Economy—moving into sectors such as ICT, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and automobile production. “As a result, Uganda’s GDP has grown from USD 3.9 billion in 1986 to USD 66.1 billion (forex method) and USD 188 billion (PPP method) by the close of the 2025/2026 financial year. The economy of Uganda has expanded 17 times since 1986, despite the corruption and disorientation of some of the actors,” President Museveni said. He projected a qualitative leap towards a USD 500 billion economy, anchored on peace, infrastructure, wealth creation, jobs, services, and markets. The President outlined seven guidelines towards Uganda’s continued progress: peace, development, wealth, jobs, services, markets, and political federation. He emphasized that peace was the foundation of prosperity and cautioned Ugandans to resist electoral friction, noting that the NRM has delivered 40 years of peace, a feat unmatched since pre-colonial times. “Without peace, you cannot create prosperity, which is number one of our historical missions. Through correct politics, emphasizing interests (business, markets, services, etc.) instead of identity (tribes, religious sectarianism, gender chauvinism). This has enabled us to unite our people politically and create strong national institutions such as the army, political parties, police, etc.,” President Museveni said. About Wealth (Obugaiga), President Museveni urged Ugandans to focus on four sectors, namely commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT. Citing success stories like Ijala Joseph of Serere, who earns UGX 1.4 billion annually from just 2.5 acres, President Museveni insisted that wealth creation starts at the family level and later expands to create jobs that stem from wealth creation, not government payrolls. “Government jobs are only 480,000. Factories and commercial farming have created more jobs than the government. Uganda has 40 million acres of arable land, and even if 7 million acres are put to use, the country could generate 500 million jobs,” he said. Regarding strategic security, President Museveni warned that while prosperity was necessary, it was not sufficient for strategic security. With major global powers advancing into space and dominating in four dimensions (land, air, sea, and space), Uganda alone could not match them. “Even when Uganda becomes developed, can it be present in these four dimensions? My answer is no. Africa needs political integration to ensure strategic security,” he remarked. He hailed the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) as a step toward prosperity but emphasized that the East African political federation would consolidate both economic growth and security, leveraging shared language and cultural similarities, especially through Swahili. Al-Hajji Kigongo, congratulated President Museveni upon his unopposed endorsement, pledging continued loyalty and service to the party. “Allow me to congratulate you upon the nomination,” Alhajji Kigongo said. “I’m very happy and thank you very much for what you have done ever since you came here. Thank you for giving us a chance to continue serving this country. We’re not going to let you down.” The conference attracted a broad spectrum of Ugandan leaders and international guests. Among those present were the Vice President of Uganda, H.E. Jessica Alupo Rose Epel; the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among; the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa; the Second National Vice Chairperson, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga; the Prime Minister, Rt.Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, and her Deputy Prime Ministers; former Ugandan leaders, including ex-Vice Presidents Gilbert Bukenya and Edward Ssekandi; Members of Parliament; members of the CEC; among others. International delegations included representatives from Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, South Africa, China, and the Saharawi Republic, High Commissioners and Ambassadors.

27 August 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI MEETS NIPPON FOUNDATION OFFICIALS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today welcomed a delegation from the Nippon Foundation at State House Entebbe. The Nippon Foundation is Asia’s leading grant-maker, based in Japan and cooperating with stakeholders of all levels around the world to confront social challenges. The team was led by Mr. Isao Iijima, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan, and Mr. Takeju Ogata, Chairman of the Nippon Foundation. They are in Uganda to commemorate the launch of the Rehabilitation Center for veterans in Mubende District. The Nippon Foundation contributed USD 500,000 towards the construction of the center and the provision of equipment to support soldiers who lost their limbs in combat. Mr. Ogata noted that the Foundation has worked in Uganda for over 40 years, particularly in agriculture and social development, and pledged continued cooperation to strengthen Uganda’s resilience in the face of climate change and other challenges. President Museveni commended the Government of Japan for its long-standing partnership with Uganda, citing its support in building the Nile Bridge and in the road sector. He also praised Mr. Iijima for mobilizing recent donations, which included 2,000 sewing machines from Japanese companies which were donated to veterans and women groups, as well as fire trucks, ambulances, physiotherapy equipment, and prosthetic materials to benefit veterans and women’s groups. The President further appealed to Japan to expand trade ties with Uganda. “What we need most is for Japan to buy our products. We would like to trade with you, and we also wish that Japan removes taxes from our exports,” he said. The Rehabilitation Center project is being implemented with support from the Government of Japan and the Nippon Foundation.

26 August 2025

COL. NAKALEMA URGES HEADS OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO STRENGTHEN COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS TO PROMOTE SOCIO-ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION

The Head of State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col. Edith Nakalema has today met and held constructive discussions with the leaders of government agencies at SHIPU offices in Kampala. The follow up meeting that preceded the first one held last week, aimed at further laying out strategies on how to strengthen collaborative efforts between agencies to ensure effective service delivery to the people of Uganda. “The continuation of this conversation remains focused on how our collaborative efforts as public sector executives deliver value to all citizens that sustains transformation of households,” she stated. Col. Nakalema made a passionate appeal to them to effectively use their positions to bolster their collaboration that will lead to the transformation of societies in Uganda. “As SHIPU whose mandate rests on coordinating MDAs, my appeal to you is to exploit this exclusive platform to reinforce institutional collaboration that will breed transformational gains for the populace,” she stated. The leaders of government agencies who attended the meeting included Dr. Barirega Akankwasah the Executive Director of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Mr. Mugabe Robert of Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), Dr. Patrick Birungi the Executive Director of Uganda Development Corporation(UDC), Eng. Dr. Silver Mugisha of National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), Eng. Kaijuka Kenneth, the Chief Executive Officer of National Housing and Construction Company Ltd., Dr. Bruce Kirenga of Makerere University, Dr. Chris Mukiza of Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) and Mr. Osborn Turyasingura of the National Secretariat for Special Interest Groups. According to Col. Nakalema, the leaders of government agencies have to account to the citizens of Uganda what the government has done for the population as well as indicate what plans they have for the socio-economic development of the country. She blamed the unawareness of the government's achievements by the masses to poor communication. “A lot of achievements have been registered by the government for the people of Uganda, but communication has not been very effective to highlight these gains,” Col. Nakalema asserted. She encouraged them to utilize the maximum Radio Stations that she said remain one of the widest dispensation tools, social media, Televisions and various groups to declare their accountability to the masses and also to inform the people of the government's achievements. Participants, therefore, agreed to use every avenue in their disposal to state the accountability of their institutions, plans and also to change the mindset of the people of Uganda, especially the youth, to deeply get involved in activities tailored at accelerating the socio-economic development of the country that will eventually lead to the transformation of their lives.

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