ENTEBBE — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended a group of Spanish student volunteers for their continued contribution to community development in Gomba District, describing their commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable Ugandans as a demonstration of the spirit of service.
The President hosted 33 Spanish student volunteers at State House Entebbe on Thursday after they completed their fourth annual volunteer mission in Uganda.
The students spent several weeks undertaking community outreach activities in Gomba District, including constructing school facilities, improving access to clean water and supporting vulnerable households. Their programme has been supported by President Museveni and the First Lady, Maama Janet Museveni.
Addressing the volunteers, President Museveni said the government remains focused on transforming Uganda from a subsistence-based society into a modern money economy where households produce both for consumption and for the market.
“The Government is working around the clock to transform Uganda from a pre-capitalist society to a money economy where people produce not only for the stomach but also for sale so that they earn money. As more people join the money economy, the country’s tax base will also increase,” President Museveni said.
He noted that Gomba District is registering increasing numbers of commercial farmers, which he said demonstrates the impact of government wealth creation programmes.
Responding to a question on how Uganda has maintained peace despite conflicts in parts of the region, the President attributed the country’s stability to an ideology that prioritises national interests over identity politics.
“We prioritise the politics of interest over the politics of identity. Patriotism means loving Uganda because you need it for your own prosperity. Pan-Africanism means loving Africa because our internal market alone is not enough for our development,” he said.
President Museveni added that the same philosophy has enabled Uganda to build national institutions based on merit rather than ethnic identity.
“When we recruit into the army or the police, we do not ask about anybody’s tribe. What matters is whether you are a good soldier. Unity of Uganda and unity of Africa are our guiding principles,” he said.
The President also encouraged the young volunteers to live disciplined and purposeful lives.
“As young people, avoid alcoholism, avoid womanising, get a family, be disciplined, and if you believe in God, it is an added advantage,” he advised.
The Director of Kelim Foundation, Dr. Harris Kirumira Kalule, whose organisation coordinates the programme in Uganda, thanked President Museveni and the First Lady for supporting the volunteers throughout their stay in Gomba District.
He said the students had made a meaningful contribution to local communities through projects aimed at improving education, expanding access to clean water and supporting vulnerable families.
Speaking on behalf of the volunteers, Lady Carmen Sillero expressed appreciation to President Museveni for hosting the delegation and thanked the government for facilitating their work by providing transport and security during the outreach mission.
She said the support enabled the volunteers to reach schools and communities where they successfully implemented their projects and expressed optimism that the partnership between the Spanish volunteers and Uganda would continue to grow.
The delegation’s visit marked the completion of its fourth consecutive annual volunteer mission in Uganda, reflecting ongoing people-to-people cooperation between Uganda and Spain through community service initiatives in Gomba District.