News Articles | MINISTRY OF ICT AND NATIONAL GUIDANCE

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.

25 August 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI TO NRM DELEGATES: FIGHT POVERTY AND CORRUPTION, BUILD THE MONEY ECONOMY

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today opened the 1st Meeting of the 4th National Conference of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, rallying delegates to focus on discipline, fight poverty and corruption, and ensure every Ugandan household joins the money economy. Accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataha Museveni, the President who is also the National Chairman of the NRM, addressed thousands of delegates from across the country gathered to elect special interest group representatives and chart the Movement’s future direction. The conference will see the election of leaders representing the youth, elderly, workers, and persons with disabilities, among others. In his address, President Museveni expressed delight at the youthful composition of many of the newly elected delegates, describing it as a healthy sign of generational renewal within the Movement. He urged them to uphold the NRM’s principles of patriotism, Pan-Africanism, democracy and socio-economic transformation, while taking the party’s vision deeper into households across Uganda. The President took delegates on a reflective journey of Uganda’s economic transformation under the NRM, tracing progress from the days of “minimum recovery” to what he now describes as the country’s “take-off stage.” He recalled the difficult years when Ugandans lacked basic commodities such as sugar, salt, and soap, noting that those days were about mere survival. He explained that Uganda later expanded its economy through cash crops like coffee and tea, diversified into other sectors, and is today producing higher-value products. President Museveni pointed to recent milestones such as the manufacture of vehicles through Kiira Motors, the establishment of vaccine production facilities, and the rise of ICT as evidence that Uganda has firmly entered its industrial age. “We are no longer in recovery; Uganda is in the take-off stage. We are now manufacturing our own cars, producing vaccines, and building an ICT-driven economy,” President Museveni said. Turning to household wealth creation, the President stressed that Uganda’s long-term stability rests on every family joining the money economy. He recalled that in 2013, about 68 percent of the population was still outside the money economy, but recent figures show that 67 percent are now participating. He said the government’s target is to ensure that no family is left behind. To illustrate his point, President Museveni cited the example of Joseph Ijaara, a farmer in Serere who uses a small piece of land to achieve high returns through commercial agriculture. He explained that Uganda’s money economy rests on four pillars — agriculture, industry, services, and ICT — and urged delegates to help their communities embrace at least one of these sectors. “In the past, towns were only filled with shops, but today we are building towns of factories where people work and earn. That is the NRM difference,” he said. The President challenged leaders to return to their communities with a clear mission of tackling the issues that directly affect ordinary Ugandans. “What I want you to take from here is simple: fight poverty in your families, fight corruption — don’t allow people to eat Parish Development Model (PDM) money. Insist that the police fight crime, and where they fail, report them,” he stressed. President Museveni also underlined the importance of social services as the foundation of transformation. On health, he noted progress in the fight against malaria and immunization campaigns but criticized the persistent theft of drugs, which undermines treatment. He reaffirmed the government's plan to expand safe water access to villages across the country. On infrastructure, President Museveni revealed that each district receives UGX 1.3 billion annually to maintain murram roads, stressing that the funds must be properly used. On education, President Museveni made one of his strongest commitments of the day: ensuring free education in government schools. He argued that since parents overwhelmingly prefer government schools, fees must be abolished to allow every child access to quality education. “Once the NRM is voted again, we shall insist on free education in all government schools. Support me so we can fully implement it,” he said. NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong also addressed the gathering, reminding delegates that the NRM is a Movement bigger than any individual and that leadership must always be seen as service, not self-enrichment. He urged them to embody discipline, sacrifice, and responsibility in their work, stressing that elections may come and go, but the Movement and the people remain. Dr. Tanga Odoi, the Chairman of the NRM Electoral Commission, promised to deliver free and fair elections of leaders of special interest groups and the subsequent elections that will follow in the coming days.

23 August 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI ASSURES KENYA-BASED INVESTORS ON PARTNERSHIP IN KEY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni yesterday assured investors from Rebel Group, an international consultancy and investment firm based in Nairobi, of Uganda’s readiness to partner with them in key infrastructure projects. Meeting the group led by the former US Ambassador to Kenya, Mr. Kyle McCarter, at State House, Entebbe, President Museveni welcomed the firm’s interest in Uganda and emphasized the country’s long-term economic opportunities. “We can start with infrastructure such as the Kampala–Bombo toll road and the Mpigi bridge. These projects are linked directly to the market and the consumers. As long as the consumers are there, the flow of money will not stop. That is why such investments are sustainable. They create jobs, put money in people’s pockets, and stimulate further spending,” he said. Reflecting on Uganda’s post-independence challenges, the President noted that past policy mistakes, including the expulsion of Asians under Idi Amin and the confiscation of private property, discouraged private investment. “We lost a lot of time after independence because of policies that were not private sector–friendly. Confiscating private property was a strategic mistake,” he said. “But when we came into leadership in the 1980s. We were clear, we had studied the mistakes of the past, and we had the credibility to say no, we are independent, and we are not agents of anyone. If you want true independence, you must create wealth so that you don’t depend on anybody,” he said. President Museveni explained that Uganda’s economic transformation agenda is anchored on four key pillars of wealth creation. “Our first pillar is commercial agriculture, where land must be used productively beyond subsistence farming. The second pillar is manufacturing, which focuses on adding value to our raw materials such as coffee, cotton, copper, and timber,” he said. “The third area is services, including tourism, hospitality, entertainment, and related sectors, the fourth pillar is ICT, where we must harness technology to drive growth. Everyone must be involved in producing either a good or a service, whether as an owner or as an employee. That is the foundation of wealth,” he added. The President also mentioned that infrastructure investment is central to unlocking regional trade, particularly within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). “This is why I have been advising investors to look at Africa seriously. The Chinese have already seen the potential and are coming in big numbers. But there is even more space for others to participate. Infrastructure such as roads linking Uganda to Rwanda and Congo will not only serve Uganda but the entire region. That is where the real business is,” he said. Mr. Prashiv Shah, the financial consultant with Rebel Group, welcomed President Museveni’s guidance and declared the group’s interest in Uganda. “In Kenya, we are already combining infrastructure with real estate development, but we are willing to come to Uganda not just for infrastructure but for many other sectors as well. We totally agree with your vision, and we are ready to explore opportunities here. This is a new time for building investments, and we are glad to meet you,” he said.

21 August 2025

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI MEETS FORMER NIGERIAN PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today met and held talks with the former President of Nigeria, H.E. Goodluck Jonathan, at State House, Entebbe. H.E Jonathan, who arrived in Kampala on Wednesday 20, August 2025, today officiated at the 14th Graduation Ceremony of Cavendish University Uganda (CUU), where he serves as Chancellor. During the meeting, the two leaders reflected on the long-standing bilateral ties between Uganda and Nigeria and explored opportunities to further strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries. H.E Jonathan commended President Museveni for the warm reception extended to him and praised Uganda’s conducive environment for institutions of higher learning. He also hailed the steady progress made by Cavendish University Uganda since its establishment. He also informed President Museveni that CUU, which was licensed to operate in Uganda by the National Council for Higher Education in June 2008, has already applied for a charter to enhance its competitiveness in the region. The meeting was also attended by government officials, representatives of the Nigerian High Commission, among other dignitaries.

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