PRESIDENT MUSEVENI BIDS FAREWELL TO OUTGOING CHINESE AMBASSADOR

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today bid farewell to the outgoing Ambassador of China to Uganda, H.E Zhang Lizhong who paid a courtesy call on him at his country home in Kisozi, Gomba District. During the meeting, President Museveni congratulated H.E Lizhong upon completing his tour of duty in Uganda. “I wish you well in your next assignment.” The President also expressed gratitude that the bilateral relationship between Uganda and China continues to grow stronger. “I am happy to note that Uganda’s exports to China have increased to USD 138 million, although this is still not enough and we should be able to do much more,” he said. President Museveni further welcomed the decision by the Chinese Government to remove taxes on Ugandan exports, which he said will greatly support the country’s trade and wealth creation efforts. “Regarding Chinese investments in Uganda, we have been supporting Chinese interests for a long time, and we shall continue to do so,” he noted. On his part, Ambassador Lizhong expressed gratitude to the President and the Ugandan government for the support and collaboration extended to him throughout his tenure.

2026-01-21

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI RECEIVES OFFICIAL DECLARATION OF VICTORY, PLEDGES ECONOMIC GROWTH AND POVERTY ERADICATION

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today formally received the declaration of his re-election as President of Uganda, pledging to prioritize poverty eradication, unity, and disciplined governance in the new term. President Museveni, who won the recently concluded Presidential elections with more than 7 million votes according to provisional Electoral Commission figures, was officially presented with the declaration form by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC) at his country home in Rwakitura. In his acceptance remarks, the President began by thanking God and the First Lady, Maama Janet Museveni, for her steadfast support. “I want to thank God for this victory and for all the victories we have had over the last 55 years of struggle since 1971,” President Museveni said. “I also thank Maama Janet for her support.” He credited the win to collective effort, praising NRM members, party leaders, and institutions that he said played a critical role. “I want to thank the NRM members and all the leaders because they all played a critical role in this victory,” he said. The President also acknowledged the contribution of national institutions and community leaders, including the armed forces, religious leaders, and cultural leaders. “I thank the armed forces for their role, the religious leaders for praying for us, and the cultural leaders for being responsive and working for peace,” President Museveni said. Reflecting on voter turnout, President Museveni said a significant number of NRM supporters did not vote, a matter he said the party must study going forward. “About 10 million of our people did not turn up. Many of them are our members, and we must find out why.” He linked this reflection to what he described as a return to the founding principles of the NRM, emphasizing unity and stability, particularly in regions that had previously experienced conflict. “That atmosphere of maximum unity is coming back,” he said, citing peace in parts of northern and eastern Uganda. President Museveni highlighted government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and presidential skilling hubs, saying they have begun to restore hope among Ugandans. “PDM has given people hope that we can get rid of poverty,” he said, adding that skilling hubs are equipping young people with practical abilities. However, he acknowledged uneven implementation and said the government must critically assess what is working and what is not. “We must analyze and find out,” he said. On security, the President warned against what he described as isolated acts of violence linked to political extremism, while stressing that peace in Uganda is maintained not only by security forces but by citizens themselves. “It is not just the security forces who are maintaining peace,” President Museveni said. “It is all Ugandans, including members of the opposition.” He cautioned groups he accused of working with foreign interests to abandon violence. “This is a free warning from me,” he said. “Stop what you are doing. We shall maintain peace in Uganda.” Looking ahead to the new term, President Museveni outlined two broad economic priorities: supporting wealth creators to grow the economy and intensifying efforts to eliminate household poverty. “For about 70 percent of the people in the money economy, we must support them to continue growing,” he said. “For the remaining 30 percent, this is where we must decisively address poverty.” He said PDM funds are central to that effort, insisting that poverty must be eliminated at the household level. “We must end poverty in the homesteads,” he said. The President also emphasized the importance of free education in government schools, improved healthcare delivery, and strict action against corruption. “Corruption annoys our people,” President Museveni said, calling on elected leaders to closely monitor government programs, including drug availability in hospitals, justice delivery, land protection, road maintenance, and water access. “I will be very harsh in this Kisanja,” he warned. On job creation, President Museveni said the focus would remain on agriculture, manufacturing, and the private sector, rather than public service employment. Turning to regional integration and natural resources, the President said Uganda’s internal market is insufficient on its own and pointed to the East African Community as a critical economic opportunity. He confirmed that Uganda’s oil production is expected to begin this year and said revenues would be invested in long-term national assets. “Our oil will start flowing this year,” he said. “This money must be used for things that will last, like railways, power stations, roads, and science education.” President Museveni cautioned against proposals to directly distribute oil revenues to local governments, arguing that oil is a finite resource. “This oil will last about 20 years,” he said. “If you care about your country, you must use this exhaustible resource to build things that will endure.” He concluded by urging unity and discipline as Uganda looks toward the next electoral cycle. “If we do these things. We shall unite our people and build a stronger country.” In her remarks, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni congratulated the extended National Resistance Movement family for the party’s electoral victory, calling on leaders to remain faithful to God and recommit themselves to guiding Ugandans on the right path. “I want to congratulate the extended family of the NRM,” the First Lady said. “I am deeply grateful to God for allowing this to be the first programme of this Kisanja, where we meet with the Central Executive Committee and the Secretariat to first thank Him, because only God made this possible.” She said the gathering was an opportunity not only to give thanks to God, but also to appreciate the collective effort that led to the victory. “God gives us the opportunity, and then we thank every one of you,” she said. Reflecting on the campaign period, Maama Janet commended party leaders and mobilizers for standing firmly with President Museveni throughout the process. “When I look at you, I remember that none of you left the President alone,” she said. “The contribution of each one of you made God’s divine purpose possible.” The First Lady also expressed gratitude to President Museveni, the NRM Central Executive Committee, the Secretariat, and religious leaders across the country, saying their efforts were instrumental in guiding the nation. “I thank the President himself, the CEC, the Secretariat, religious leaders, and above all, I thank God for His faithfulness,” she said. In her closing remarks, the First Lady urged leaders to reflect, renew themselves, and continue serving with purpose. “We must now re-educate ourselves,” she said. “If we do so, God will bless our efforts just as He did during these campaigns.” The Vice President, H.E. Jessica Alupo called on Ugandans to remain grateful to God and united following the recent presidential elections, saying the outcome is a moment for thanksgiving and national reflection. “On a day like this, we can only say glory be to God and thanks be to God,” H.E. Alupo said. She thanked President Museveni for inviting them to listen to his address to the nation, describing the occasion as significant for the country’s democratic journey. H.E. Alupo congratulated President Museveni, for what she described as an overwhelming victory in the just-concluded presidential elections. “Allow me to congratulate you, Your Excellency, and Maama for securing an overwhelming victory. Congratulations,” she said. The Vice President praised President Museveni’s resilience throughout the campaign period, noting that his leadership style helped galvanize support across the country. “This is not the day to give a detailed account of the campaign, but Your Excellency demonstrated a very fatherly approach that brought together people from all walks of life across Uganda.” She further applauded the National Resistance Movement Secretariat, led by the Secretary General, for working in a united and coordinated manner throughout the electoral process. The Electoral Commission (EC) was also praised for delivering the election results peacefully. “I would like to thank the EC for delivering the results in a very peaceful way,” H.E. Alupo said, adding that civic education efforts helped maintain calm across the country. She thanked the people of Uganda for demonstrating unity and overwhelmingly backing President Museveni. “I thank the people of Uganda for throwing their weight behind you, Your Excellency,” she said. The Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second National Vice Chairperson (Female), Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among congratulated the President on what she described as a well-deserved victory in the recently concluded general elections, citing strong public confidence in the ruling party. “On my behalf, the NRM fraternity, and the people of Uganda, I want to congratulate you upon your win and this well-deserved victory,” she said. She also congratulated the President and the party on the landslide performance in the parliamentary elections, noting that so far, 352 Members of Parliament have been elected under the NRM flag. Rt. Hon. Among paid special tribute to the First Lady, Maama Janet for her role in mobilizing women across the country. “We thank Maama for standing up for this country. As women of Uganda, we were energized. We left our homes, mobilized, and here is the victory we have achieved. No wonder most women turned up to vote.” The Speaker said the declaration of the election results was a clear sign of the trust Ugandans have in the National Resistance Movement and in President Museveni’s leadership. “Yesterday’s declaration is a testament to the trust that the people of Uganda have in NRM and in you, Your Excellency,” she said. She commended the President for running a consistent and inclusive campaign, noting that he remained open to ideas from party leaders throughout the process. “We thank you for your consistent campaign and for always accepting our ideas as leaders, whether to add value or improve our approach,” Rt. Hon. Among said. She also praised the Central Executive Committee (CEC) and the NRM Secretariat, led by Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, for strengthening the party’s campaign strategy. “I thank the CEC and the Secretariat for the work you did,” she said. “No wonder we moved from 58 percent to 72 percent. You incorporated new ideas and made a real difference in the campaign.” Speaking on behalf of the Parliament of Uganda, the Speaker thanked President Museveni for his continued support of the legislature and pledged Parliament’s commitment to work with the executive. “On behalf of the Parliament of Uganda, we thank you for your support, and we pledge to continue working with you as one government for the people of Uganda,” Rt. Hon. Among said. On the other hand, the NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Todwong hailed the party’s performance in the recently concluded elections, describing the results as a clear demonstration of the National Resistance Movement’s strength as both a political party and a national movement. He said the outcome reflected deep-rooted support for the NRM across the country. “I can speak with pride that this percentage has demonstrated that the party has truly become a movement,” Rt. Hon. Todwong said. He noted that the NRM performed strongly at all levels, particularly in local government elections, where the party secured the majority of leadership positions. “At the local government level, we are winning across the board and we are well-positioned,” he said. Rt. Hon. Todwong said the party’s success was the result of an inclusive campaign strategy that deliberately reached out to members at the grassroots, re-energizing the NRM base. “We campaigned and reached out to every NRM member we could,” he said. “We saw that our base was awakened, and people responded.” He paid tribute to President Museveni for heeding the call of party members to once again contest for the presidency, recalling that the appeal was made during Parish Development Model tours across the country. “I want to thank you, Your Excellency, for accepting the call of your party members to contest. We remember asking you during the PDM tours, and you listened.” The Secretary General also acknowledged the role played by the First Lady, Maama Janet, in supporting the party throughout the campaign period. “Allow me to thank the First Lady, Maama, for always standing with us,” he said. “The support you give us encourages and strengthens the party.” He concluded by reaffirming the Secretariat’s commitment to strengthening party structures and supporting the President as he begins a new term in office. The event was attended by all members of the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC), and several religious leaders, including Bishop Joshua Lwere, Pastor Robert Kayanja, Apostle Joseph Sserwadda, Bishop Nathan Ahimbisibwe, and the Rt. Rev. Alfred Muhoozi, Bishop of North Ankole Diocese.

2026-01-18

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI MEETS NUP CONVERTS, MUSLIM LEADERS, STUDENTS AND YOUTH GROUPS AT KOLOLO, REAFFIRMS FREE EDUCATION, WEALTH CREATION AND ANTI-CORRUPTION DRIVE

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today met thousands of converts from the National Unity Platform (NUP), Muslim leaders, students from higher institutions of learning and youth groups at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. Addressing over 10,000 NUP converts, President Museveni welcomed them to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and said it has historically been a party of the poor, founded on empowering citizens to elect their leaders from the village level (LC1) up to the presidency. He said this conviction informed his decision in 1997 to introduce free primary and secondary education, noting that many parents could not afford school fees. However, the President expressed concern that free education has been sabotaged by some leaders and head teachers, urging Ugandans to elect leaders who can effectively enforce government policies. He emphasized that free education must be implemented fully so that all children benefit. He urged the youth to strongly reject illegal charges in government schools, saying free education was introduced in 1997 but has not been properly implemented due to failure by school administrators. He also raised concerns over poor maintenance of murram roads despite annual government funding, calling for accountability and proper reporting where funds are insufficient. On wealth creation, President Museveni reiterated that government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga and other initiatives were designed to lift households out of poverty. He called on every Ugandan to join their parish SACCOs and ensure parish committees help all members benefit. The President warned against the sabotage and theft of PDM funds, urging citizens to report those involved. Turning to health services, President Museveni said the government supplies medicines to public hospitals, but the persistent shortage is largely due to poor supervision and theft. He stressed that leaders must be held accountable to ensure drugs reach patients. President Museveni also addressed the issue of jobs, explaining that employment is largely generated through commercial agriculture, factories, services and ICT. He cited an example of Mr. Johnson Basangwa of Kamuli, who started poultry farming on a 50-by-100 plot and now employs over 300 people, demonstrating that wealth creation is possible even with limited land. Muslim leaders, including Sheikhs, pledged to support President Museveni in the upcoming elections. Sheikh Sulaiman Ssemakula, from Greater Mpigi thanked President Museveni for supporting Muslims and promoting unity, noting that the NRM respects all faiths without discrimination. The President assured Muslims that his role is to ensure all Ugandans, regardless of religion, access free education, healthcare, and opportunities for wealth creation. President Museveni also hailed the over 8,000 students from institutions across the country under Sauti ya Vijana, for complementing party structures. On corruption, the President urged the youth to decisively reject the vice, saying it undermines service delivery and development. Presidential Advisor, Ms. Hope Mazirwe thanked President Museveni for supporting students and establishing free education, further pledging continued student support to the NRM government. Mr. Jacob Eyeru, head of Sauti ya Vijana, said the initiative was created to engage over 3.1 million students who were in school during campaigns yet are eligible voters. He noted that the group is sensitizing students about NRM wealth creation programs and has established a WhatsApp platform to engage them during holidays on the party manifesto. In a separate engagement, President Museveni met the Unstoppable Group, led by Mr. Nelson Tugume, who assured him that the group has been traversing the country mobilizing support for the NRM. President Museveni reiterated that Uganda has made significant progress over the last 40 years, with about 70 percent of homesteads now in the money economy, and stressed that the government’s focus is to bring all households into the money economy through existing programs. He emphasized that free education in government schools and the fight against corruption remain non-negotiable priorities. The various groups reaffirmed their commitment to support President Museveni and the NRM in the forthcoming elections.

2026-01-11

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI UNDERSCORES IMPORTANCE OF AFRICAN MARKETS TO UGANDA’S PROSPERITY

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today met National Resistance Movement (NRM) local leaders in Kampala, using the engagement to reflect on Uganda’s economic transformation, the importance of African markets, and the principles that have sustained national unity and peace. The meeting held at the National ICT Hub in Nakawa, followed an earlier engagement with NRM leaders in Busoga, underscoring what the President described as the interconnectedness of Uganda’s regions and their shared economic interests. Addressing the leaders led by Aminah Nanziri Lukanga, the NRM Woman MP flag bearer for Kampala City, President Museveni pointed to Uganda’s shift from dependency to production, citing concrete examples from agriculture and industry. “Uganda used to smuggle sugar from outside. Today, we produce about 700,000 tonnes, yet our internal consumption is only 300,000 tonnes,” President Museveni said, noting that without regional markets, such industries would stagnate. He said milk production had reached about 5.3 billion litres annually, while domestic consumption stood at less than one billion litres, leaving a surplus of over four billion litres. Similar trends, he added, are evident in cement, timber and other sectors. According to the President, these realities explain why Uganda’s prosperity cannot be separated from Africa’s wider market. “That is when we realised that we need Africa. Pan-Africanism is not emotional; it is about prosperity,” he said. President Museveni linked this outlook to the founding philosophy of the National Resistance Movement, which rejected politics based on identity in favour of shared interests. “For wealth creation, identity is secondary. What matters is what you produce and who can buy it,” he said, using his own farming experience to illustrate how national and regional markets sustain livelihoods beyond ethnic or religious lines. He said this thinking enabled the NRM to build a national party capable of uniting Ugandans and sustaining peace. “When we say NRM has kept peace, it is because we rejected politics of identity and focused on interests,” he said. The President also reflected on the NRM’s 40-year journey, describing peace as the first “brick” upon which other achievements were built. Without stability, he said, progress in infrastructure, education, health and wealth creation would not have been possible. Drawing from traditional Banyankore wisdom, President Museveni explained the concept of okwombeka;- to build not merely as constructing houses, but as building sustainable livelihoods. “Okwombeka is building a life: creating wealth, raising a family and solving problems at the household level,” he said, urging leaders to look beyond physical infrastructure and focus on economic activity within homes. He commended government programmes such as Emyooga and the Parish Development Model (PDM), describing them as deliberate efforts to move wealth creation directly to families. “That is why we introduced Entandikwa, Emyooga, Operation Wealth Creation and PDM—to ensure households work and create wealth,” President Museveni said. Reflecting on Uganda’s political history, President Museveni warned against repeating mistakes rooted in identity-based politics, which he said failed to address people’s real needs. “Whether you are from this tribe or that religion, your needs are the same; education, health, jobs and income,” he said, stressing that misdiagnosis of national problems had previously led the country into crisis. The President concluded by reiterating that Uganda’s future lies in unity, productive work, regional cooperation and values which he said remain central to the NRM’s vision. “I am very happy to be with you,” President Museveni told the leaders, expressing confidence that the principles that guided the movement’s past would continue to secure Uganda’s stability and prosperity. In her remarks, Ms. Lukanga welcomed President Museveni and thanked him for the guidance and clarity he provided on Uganda’s economic prospects. “We thank the President for his leadership and for reminding us that our focus must remain on creating wealth for Ugandans and strengthening unity across regions,” Ms. Lukanga said. She urged local leaders to take the President’s message to heart, especially the emphasis on patriotic service and accountability. “As leaders of Kampala, we commit to supporting initiatives that drive household income, strengthen markets and uphold the values of patriotism and unity,” she said. “We must continue to work closely with communities, listen to their concerns and ensure that the programs designed to uplift families are implemented effectively.” The meeting was attended by NRM Local Council I and II leaders, councillors, and other stakeholders.

2026-01-10

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI TASKS WAKISO RESIDENTS TO KEENLY MONITOR UTILISATION OF DEVELOPMENT FUNDS TO ATTAIN INTENDED PURPOSE

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, also the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential flagbearer for the 2026 general elections, has tasked the people of Wakiso district to keenly monitor the utilisation of the government development funds to ensure that they serve the intended purpose. “The money for the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga is there and the people who steal that money can be easily arrested because they are here with us in Uganda,” he said. The President who was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni made the remarks today while addressing a campaign rally at Entebbe Municipality playgrounds, Wakiso District. The President revealed that the government has increased the PDM funding to Shs300 million and has also set up a special fund for leaders, markets, mechanics and fisheries, with an aim of improving their livelihoods through wealth creation. “Own up the PDM programme to counter corrupt officials,” he urged. President Museveni also noted that the NRM government has ably laid a stable foundation in different sectors employing millions of Ugandans, thus challenging residents of Wakiso to take advantage of the job opportunities in the planned development aspects such as industries, commercial agriculture, services including tourism, skill and artisanship. The President further assured residents of Entebbe and Wakiso district at large of plans to promptly complete construction works for Kisubi - Nakawuka - Mpigi road, Nakawuka - Nateete road and several other ongoing road construction projects across the district to improve mobility and business operations. On the other hand, he cautioned the electorate against opportunistic opposition politicians who he says constantly frustrate development programs and rallied them to vote for NRM flag bearers for effective service delivery. On her part, Maama Janet attributed the immense developmental achievements for Entebbe and Wakiso district to the NRM's strategic approach founded on peace and stability. She reminded the residents never to forget the critical role of the NRM government in the development of Uganda. “God has used the NRM government, President Museveni and the UPDF to protect the peace, unity and stability in Uganda all these many years,” Maama Janet said as she rallied the people of Wakiso to vote for President Museveni and other NRM candidates in the forthcoming general elections. The NRM First National Vice Chairperson, Alhaji Moses Kigongo tasked the NRM fraternity in Entebbe and Wakiso district to scale up mobilization efforts for the party at the grassroot for a resounding win in the forthcoming elections. He reminded NRM cadres of discipline and respect for each other during and after elections. The NRM second National Vice Chairperson and Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Among highlighted the several additional development initiatives in Wakiso district fostered by the NRM government that include the 35 billion shillings Lubugumu - Busabala road project, the 15.5 billion shillings Kitoolo - Kawuku road project, the 23 billion shillings Entebe - Nakiwogo road and the planned bridge at the same location. She rallied the electorate of Entebbe and Wakiso district at large to vote for the NRM for more development interventions in the area.

2026-01-05

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI HOLDS TALKS WITH DIGITAL INFLUENCERS IN “JAZZ WITH JAJJA” CONVERSATION

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today held a candid and wide-ranging dialogue with young Ugandans (Bazukulu) during the Jazz with Jajja conversation at State Lodge, Nakasero. The interactive engagement, hosted by the First Daughter, Mrs. Natasha Museveni Karugire, brought together content creators, journalists, digital entrepreneurs and influencers. The event offered the attendees a rare opportunity to directly question the President on leadership, motivation, the digital economy, regional integration and youth livelihoods. In his remarks, President Museveni urged young people to look beyond entertainment and short-term pleasures and instead focus on the fundamentals of economic transformation. “It is interesting that many young people talk about dancing and football, which are good, but rarely talk about the regional market,” President Museveni said. “Those things are pleasure, but you must first have the basics. When I was also young, I would also dance, fight and study. The problem today is dancing all the time.” Responding to a question by TikTok influencer Sean Ibrahim, popularly known as Sean Styles, on what drives his long political journey, President Museveni traced his motivation to identity, history and a deep desire to protect Africa’s freedom. “What motivates me is that I love myself — as a Munyankore, as a Ugandan, and as an African. I love you people. I see you as my children and grandchildren,” he said. He cautioned that history has shown the world can be unforgiving to weak societies, stressing that his generation’s struggle was driven by the need to prevent Africans from disappearing or returning to servitude. “My motivation is freedom for the black race,” he said. The President also attributed his personal stamina and resilience to traditional African livelihoods, particularly cattle keeping, which he said instilled toughness and self-reliance. Broadcaster Isaac Katende, alias Kasuku, raised concerns about limited government support for digital media, particularly following the shutdown of social media platform; Facebook, despite the sector providing livelihoods for many young people. In response, President Museveni explained that Uganda had deliberately invested in undersea fibre-optic cables to reduce the historically high cost of the internet, which had previously relied on expensive satellite communication. “There were attempts by telephone companies to monopolize, and we said no,” he said, noting that government intervention significantly lowered data costs by expanding infrastructure. On Facebook, the President maintained that the shutdown was prompted by misuse of the platform. “We closed it because some people thought they could insult and play around with us,” he said, adding that the government remains open to engagement if platforms operate responsibly. President Museveni also revealed ongoing discussions with tech entrepreneur Elon Musk on the possibility of introducing Starlink satellite internet to Uganda, should it prove affordable. “If the satellite becomes cheaper, we shall allow it,” he said. In a question posed by journalist Simon Kaheru, the President reiterated that prosperity lies at the heart of the National Resistance Movement’s ideology, warning that Africa faces danger if young people fail to understand how wealth is created. “Prosperity does not come from begging. It comes from producing a good or service and selling it sustainably, with calculation — ekibaro.” He explained that Uganda’s diverse, multi-tribal structure created natural economic complementarities, which later informed the NRM’s ideological pillars of Patriotism, loving Uganda as a market, and Pan-Africanism, embracing the wider African market. “Uganda alone is not enough,” he said, noting that the country now produces surplus milk, maize, bananas, cement and steel, which rely on regional and continental markets to remain viable. Economy, Skills and Structural Transformation: Responding to questions from Christine Mawadri on Uganda’s youthful population, the creative sector and innovation, President Museveni traced the country’s economic challenges to the narrow colonial enclave economy based on raw exports. By independence, he said, Uganda’s economy revolved around the 3Cs- Cotton, Coffee and Copper and the 3Ts- Tobacco, Tea and Tourism covering only about four percent of homesteads. “When the NRM came to power in 1986, even that small economy had collapsed,” he said, explaining that the government had to rebuild from scratch. He outlined progress made since then, including restoring and expanding traditional exports, diversifying into dairy, fisheries, fruits and manufacturing, adding value to raw materials, and transitioning into a knowledge economy with local production of vehicles, vaccines and computers. However, he noted that by 2013, 68 percent of homesteads were still outside the money economy, prompting the introduction of Operation Wealth Creation and later the Parish Development Model (PDM). “The key is guiding people into enterprises that make economic sense for their land size,” President Museveni emphasized. On youth migration for work, raised by content creator Osman Kaweesa, popularly known as Jobless Billionaire, the President said many young people had not fully understood where jobs come from. “Jobs and wealth will mainly come from four sectors, commercial agriculture, manufacturing/ artisanship, services and ICT,” he said, once again stressing the Four-Acre Model as a practical pathway to household income. President Museveni also highlighted the role of Presidential skilling hubs and the ongoing education curriculum reform, saying Africa’s biggest challenge remains mindset. “We export coffee at $2.5 per kilo, but after value addition it can earn $40,” he said, noting that while coffee is a $460 billion global business, Africa earns a small fraction because it exports raw materials. “That is the mindset change we are struggling with,” he added. Closing the session, Mrs. Natasha thanked the President for opening space for dialogue and assured participants that similar engagements would continue. “There shall be more interactions like this. Thank you, Your Excellency, for allowing us to have this conversation,” she said.

2026-01-04