President Museveni has urged Ugandans to prioritise wealth creation as a pathway to sustainable employment, saying opportunities already exist if citizens follow government guidance.
Speaking at International Labour Day celebrations at Nkoyoyo Boarding Primary School grounds in Matale, Buikwe district, Museveni said agriculture alone could generate millions of jobs if properly organised and commercialised.
The event, held under the theme “Safeguarding Uganda’s Progress: Empowering the Workforce and Promoting Decent Work for Competitive Enterprise,” brought together workers, employers, and government officials.
Museveni cited the example of Richard Nyakana, a farmer in Fort Portal who earns more than Shs200m annually from 1.2 acres through poultry and dairy farming while employing 12 people.
He said Uganda has about 40 million acres of arable land, arguing that replicating such models would expand employment.
“The issue is not jobs. It is about following government advice,” Museveni said, urging citizens to adopt the four-acre model or smaller-scale ventures.
He warned against rushing into business without planning and advised entrepreneurs to avoid high-interest commercial loans. Instead, he recommended borrowing from the Uganda Development Bank (UDB), which offers relatively lower interest rates.
Museveni also highlighted support under the Parish Development Model, saying funding could double in the next term. He urged beneficiaries to repay loans to sustain the programme.
On workers’ welfare, the president said the government would secure land near industrial parks to build affordable housing.
He added that the National Housing and Construction Company could take on the project if private investors do not.
He acknowledged concerns about the relevance of some academic courses and said the education ministry would provide clearer guidance.
Museveni linked Uganda’s industrial growth to peace and electricity investment, noting the country now has more than 5,000 factories. He recalled the 2005 to 2006 power crisis and the government’s decision to prioritise generation.
He also raised concerns about underutilised savings in the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), suggesting investment in infrastructure such as the planned Kampala–Jinja expressway.
Vice-president Jessica Alupo praised the government’s focus on workers. Gender minister Betty Amongi said peace and security underpin job creation.
Trade union leader Okello Musa welcomed pension reforms but raised concerns over worker housing and education gaps.
Employers’ representative Fred Bamwesigye backed increased Parish Development Model (PDM) funding and labour law reforms.
