President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on Ugandans to intensify efforts towards economic transformation, saying the country must address poverty, infrastructure challenges, drought and fuel price shocks.
In his Independence Day message marking Uganda’s 64th Independence Anniversary, Museveni congratulated Ugandans, particularly the youth, whom he referred to as “Bazukulu.”
The President said that since 1986, Uganda had worked to recover from years of conflict and economic decline, progressing towards economic expansion, diversification and knowledge-based production.
He cited electric vehicles and pharmaceuticals as examples of emerging areas in the country’s industrial development.
However, Museveni said more work was needed to consolidate the gains made and address persistent economic challenges.
He called for the expansion of railway, pipeline and lake transport systems to reduce congestion and heavy cargo traffic on roads.
On poverty reduction, the President urged the government to bring more households into the money economy through programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM).
He also emphasised the need to promote value addition to agricultural produce and minerals, expand irrigation to address drought, and strengthen domestic fuel distribution systems while promoting exports to mitigate fuel price shocks.
Museveni further urged political, religious and cultural leaders to support efforts aimed at helping every household create wealth and improve its livelihood.
“Yes, we have made progress, but we must work harder to secure Uganda’s economic transformation,” he said.
He concluded by thanking Ugandans and calling for continued collective effort towards the country’s economic transformation.