By Sekaggya Seka Moses
Uganda marked its 62nd independence day today, commemorating October 9, 1962, when the country gained freedom from British colonial rule.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who has led the country for 38 years, addressed the nation in Busia.
Museveni’s speech emphasized the importance of economic growth, unity, and self-reliance.
Museveni, known for his teetotaler lifestyle, jokingly said, “I don’t taste alcohol at all, but I hear that you people love it so much.
I can’t even touch it, and that’s how I’ve managed to reach 80 years of age.” He then turned serious, highlighting the potential for economic growth through value addition.
“You can add value to bananas by actual manufacturing instead of mere fermentation.
Anything used by society on a large scale, such as bananas, milk, coffee, maize, and millet, can be a cash product, hence dealing with import substitution and expanding our exports.”
Citing the latest census data, Museveni noted that 67% of Ugandans are now part of the money economy, thanks to initiatives like PDM, Emyooga, and NAADS.
However, he urged the remaining 33% to take advantage of these programs, saying, “Why must you remain poor, yet these programs are in place?”
Museveni also painted a promising picture of Uganda’s economic future, predicting a GDP of $57.5 billion by June 2025 and $163 billion by the PPP method.
With oil production on the horizon, he aims to grow the economy to $500 billion by 2040.
The president called for unity, warning against divisionism based on tribe and religion.
“Love Uganda because you need it for your prosperity.Love Africa because you also need it for your prosperity. We need East Africa and Africa for the bigger market.”
Infrastructure development was another key focus, with Museveni announcing plans to collaborate with Congo and South Sudan on road construction from Arua to Isiro and Obo.
In conclusion, Museveni emphasized the importance of self-reliance, stating, “Can prosperity and affluence come from begging? No. Prosperity comes by producing a good or a service after doing careful calculations to ensure maximum returns by selling those items sustainably.”