By Jumah Kakomo and Kabuye Ronald
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has emphasized that enhanced production and skills development remain the most effective solutions to eliminating poverty among Ugandans. The President made the remarks during a media engagement with journalists from the Tooro and Rwenzori sub-regions at Fort Portal State Lodge, as he concluded his campaign trail in the area.
President Museveni urged Ugandans to tap into available opportunities across multiple sectors, noting that wealth creation depends on shifting focus from limited government jobs to the broad range of employment avenues in the wider economy. He cautioned the public against what he termed “a colonial mentality” of prioritizing government employment over private-sector productivity.
Highlighting achievements registered under the NRM government, President Museveni outlined progress in service delivery in key sectors including health, education, security, justice, and public order—areas he said form the foundation of Uganda’s development trajectory. He assured citizens of continued government interventions aimed at accelerating growth across various sectors.
During the interaction, President Museveni challenged the Gen Z generation to articulate their ideological stance on East Africa’s market integration and the African Continental Free Trade Area, noting that young people must understand and support continental economic strategies.
He reaffirmed the urgent need for an East African political federation, describing it as vital for the region’s long-term strategic security. Museveni explained that contemporary security threats across air, sea, space, and land demand a united political bloc capable of safeguarding Africa’s interests.
The President also announced the commissioning of an audit into concerns surrounding the disbursement of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds. He said the investigation targets corrupt officials undermining the program’s success.
Commenting on humanitarian issues in the region, President Museveni revealed plans to resettle victims of flooding around Lake Albert in Ntoroko District. The affected communities were displaced by rising water levels, and the President has directed the Prime Minister to fast-track interventions, similar to previous government support for high-risk areas.
Throughout the engagement, President Museveni reiterated government commitment to addressing regional concerns and steering Uganda toward sustainable socio-economic transformation.
