By Jumah Kakomo/ Kabuye Ronald
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reaffirmed Uganda’s readiness to transition into a modern high middle-income country, citing significant economic progress and structural reforms achieved over the years.
Speaking to journalists from the West Nile sub-region at Arua State Lodge, President Museveni anchored his confidence in Uganda’s economic evolution — from a $3.9 billion GDP in 1986 to a projected $67 billion by June next year.
The President highlighted Uganda’s advancement through the five key stages of national development; Minimum Economic Recovery, Expansion of the Economy, Diversification, Value Addition, and The Knowledge Economy, with the final stage driven by technology-based production and innovation.
President Museveni urged Ugandans to fully embrace free universal education and wealth creation initiatives as critical tools to accelerate the country’s modernization goals. He firmly stated that public school administrators must cease illegal school charges, reaffirming his administration’s zero-tolerance stance.
Commending the people of West Nile for their commitment to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ideology, the President noted substantial progress in infrastructure, health, education, and economic empowerment across the region.
He pledged to scale up wealth creation efforts in West Nile through; Diversified agriculture, Increased agricultural input production, Enhanced industrial linkages, and Improved access to regional and continental markets.
Responding to calls for projects such as an international airport and additional roads in West Nile, President Museveni cautioned against impulsive project planning, urging leaders to prioritize high-impact, well-evaluated developments.
The President also emphasized the government’s commitment to restoring fish stocks in Uganda’s lakes and implementing effective regulatory frameworks.
On regional matters, he disclosed that some East African countries are considering adopting a variable geometry approach to fast-track the East African Community’s (EAC) unity agenda — a model allowing flexible integration based on member states’ readiness.
President Museveni directed government leaders to enhance communication strategies to ensure communities clearly understand and participate in national programs.
