President Yoweri Museveni has said that Uganda’s future prosperity depends on strong African markets, peace, and increased production.
The President made the remarks while meeting NRM local leaders in Kampala at the National ICT Hub in Nakawa. He explained that Uganda can no longer rely only on its local market and must trade more within Africa to fully benefit from its growing production.
Museveni noted that Uganda now produces more goods than it consumes locally. For example, the country produces about 700,000 tonnes of sugar each year but uses only 300,000 tonnes at home. He also said Uganda produces about 5.3 billion litres of milk annually, while domestic consumption is less than one billion litres. The surplus, he explained, needs regional markets.
“These examples show why Africa is important to us. Pan-Africanism is not about emotions, it is about prosperity,” Museveni said.
The President stressed that the NRM rejected identity-based politics and instead focused on shared economic interests. He said people’s real needs are the same everywhere—jobs, income, education, and health—regardless of tribe or religion.
Museveni said peace and stability have been the foundation of Uganda’s progress over the last 40 years. Without peace, he added, development in roads, education, health, and wealth creation would not have been possible.
He also highlighted government programmes such as Emyooga, Operation Wealth Creation, and the Parish Development Model (PDM), saying they are meant to help households earn income and improve livelihoods.
Using the traditional concept of okwombeka, Museveni urged leaders to focus on building sustainable lives for families through productive work, not just physical structures.
NRM Woman MP flag bearer for Kampala City, Aminah Nanziri Lukanga, thanked the President for his guidance and called on local leaders to support wealth creation and unity.
The meeting was attended by NRM local council leaders, councillors, and other stakeholders, as Uganda prepares for the January 15, 2026 general elections.
