Kampala, Uganda – The president of Uganda Yoweri Museveni has urged Ugandans to embrace private sector employment and regional integration for sustainable economic growth.
Speaking at the 62nd Independence Day celebrations in Busia District, Eastern Uganda, Museveni emphasized the limitations of government employment, citing only 470,000 public service jobs available.
“The majority of jobs must be in the private sector,” he stressed, highlighting manufacturing and services as significant contributors to job creation, employing 1.121 million and 5.076 million people, respectively.
Museveni also reflected on Uganda’s economic progress since gaining independence in 1962. “Our economy was a typical colonial one, characterized by the 3Cs – coffee, cotton, and copper – and the 3Ts – tobacco, tea, and tourism,” he explained.
According to Museveni, by 1962, only 9% of the homesteads were in the money economy, which meant that a whole 91% were outside the money economy. “Outside the money economy meant poor housing, no education for the children, no clean water, poor nutrition, poor health and poverty.” He said
However, he noted that the country has made significant strides, with agriculture, manufacturing, and services driving growth.
The President cautioned against politics of identity, emphasizing regional trade and economic development. “We must reject politics of identity and focus on economic integration,” he said.
Museveni cited the example of tribes producing milk and selling to areas that lack it, highlighting the potential for wealth generation through regional trade.
He also praised Uganda’s progress in strategic sectors, including dairy farming and textiles. “Despite opposition, we have succeeded in producing milk, and we are now focusing on developing industries based on raw materials,” he said.
The President expressed concern about individuals who work solely for personal survival, stating that records show 67% of Ugandan households are part of the cash economy, while 33% have refused to join.
During the celebrations, 40 individuals, including police officers and members of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces, received medals for their contributions to Uganda’s independence.
President Faustin-Archange Touadéra of the Central African Republic commended Museveni for maintaining peace and championing regional integration.
He further urged all patriots to work towards East African economic integration, cautioning against creating a situation similar to Latin America in Africa.
As Uganda celebrates 62 years of independence, the President’s call to action emphasizes the need for collective effort towards sustainable economic growth and regional cooperation.
