KAMPALA, Uganda — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has issued a nationwide call for all Ugandans, particularly youth and skilled workers in urban centers, to actively participate in wealth creation by becoming owners, trainees, or workers within the economy.
Accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, the President underscored that no individual should remain idle or dependent. He emphasized that poverty is a personal challenge that can only be overcome through active engagement in productive sectors.
Speaking during a visit to Bakitende Expert Garage in Wakaliga-Nateete, Rubaga Division, Kampala, President Museveni declared that wealth creation forms the bedrock of national transformation. He urged mechanics, artisans, and various service providers in Kampala to leverage government support and organize themselves into efficient productive units.
“I want every Ugandan to be part of wealth creation whether as a commercial farmer, artisan, industrialist, or service provider,” President Museveni said.
This event was part of a five-day Parish Development Model Presidential assessment tour in Kampala, which commenced today.
“You must either be an owner, a worker, or a trainee. This is how we move forward as a country. That’s how we end backwardness,” he urged, outlining the fundamental pathways to national progress.
President Museveni further explained that commercial agriculture remains a crucial avenue for wealth generation, even for those with limited landholdings.
“Even on a small piece of land, you can make money if you plan properly and work with ekibaro [calculation]. I have been teaching this in rural areas, and the same principle applies here,” he added, highlighting the universal applicability of calculated effort.
The President also pointed to traditional trades such as carpentry, shoemaking, welding, and tailoring as equally potent tools for wealth creation, asserting that artisans should receive support and encouragement to expand their businesses.
“You are making things like shoes, sweaters, metal doors. That is production, and production is wealth. If you don’t own the business, then be a skilled worker in it,” he said, emphasizing the value of both entrepreneurship and skilled labor.
Furthermore, President Museveni stressed the vital role of the service sector, specifically mentioning garages, catering businesses, and spare parts suppliers, which he said are critical for maintaining and supporting overall productivity.
“In the service sector, you are not producing something new, but you are maintaining what we already have,” President Museveni noted.
During his visit, the President also pledged government support to garages and service providers in Kampala, promising both equipment and funding. He stated that a clear plan would be collaboratively developed with local leaders to ensure the efficient distribution of essential machinery, including breakdown trucks, tire inflators, welding machines, and loaders.
“Some equipment, like breakdown trucks, can be shared at the parish or sub-county level, but others, like inflators, must be per garage to ensure effectiveness,” the President said, detailing the strategic allocation of resources.
He added, “We shall start here in Kampala and then scale to other cities. But this must be well organized.”
President Museveni also announced a funding initiative for food suppliers and spare parts dealers, with each sub-county slated to receive Shs20 million in support.
He advised, “But you must unite. If this is given to individuals, it will have little impact. Form groups and Cooperatives.” He further committed that the government would acquire land to provide permanent workspaces for garages and their trainees.
He acknowledged that past support extended to garages and “boda boda” riders had yielded limited results due to inadequate follow-up.
“I had given support before, but I am not sure how it ended. I was busy, and I thought the work was being done. This time, my State House team will closely follow up to make sure everything is implemented,” he assured, signaling a renewed commitment to oversight.
President Museveni also criticized opposition leaders in Kampala, asserting that they have failed to advocate for government services on behalf of their constituents. He cited the recently launched Busega Market, where traders complained about the poor road from the Northern Bypass – an issue he claimed he was never informed of.
“I thought the Northern Bypass was fully operational. But if you elect leaders who don’t talk to me, how will I know what’s not working? You are suffering not because government programs are not there, but because you ignore them due to politics. Elect NRM leaders who will work with us to address your issues,” he said.
He concluded that programs like the Parish Development Model are accessible to all Ugandans, but political divisions have prevented many from benefiting.
“If a SACCO in Rubaga has 240 members, how can we fail to support that? Don’t sabotage yourselves out of ignorance,” he cautioned, adding, “Don’t reject development because of politics.”
Earlier, the President was warmly received by the leadership of Bakitende Expert Garage, a significant hub that provides training for youth from informal settlements and mechanics across Rubaga. The garage currently supports 120 members, with 65 actively undergoing training.
Mr. Muhamood Sonko, the garage chairman, expressed gratitude for the President’s visit and support. He explained that the garage was formed when they united to establish a common workshop after being evicted from Kisenyi.
“We have trained 65 youths, and 20 of them are now experts. We don’t chase them after training. As long as they are disciplined, they become part of us,” Mr. Sonko said.
He highlighted their current challenge: “But we are struggling with limited machines. Sometimes one person works while others wait for their turn.” He appealed to the President for more equipment and specialized machines, including car carriers for faulty vehicles, toolboxes for mechanics, and vocational training tools.
“In this parish alone, we have more than 400 garages. If we get support, it will ripple across the entire division,” Mr. Sonko noted.
Mr. Steven Sekawungu, the LC1 chairperson, also conveyed his appreciation to President Museveni for his visit, acknowledging the peace and progress Uganda has experienced under his leadership.
“You have worked hard for this country. Those of us who lived through previous regimes know the difference,” Mr. Sekawungu said.
Also present at the event were the Government Chief Whip, Denis Hamson Obua; the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda; the State Minister for Gender, Labour, and Social Development in charge of Children and Youth Affairs, Hon. Balaam Barugahara; the Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki; and Hon. Rosemary Nansubuga Sseninde, the Director for Mobilization at the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretariat, among other dignitaries.
