Buikwe, Uganda — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged Ugandans to prioritise wealth creation as the most sustainable pathway to employment during the International Labour Day celebrations held at Nkoyoyo Boarding Primary School Grounds in Matale, Buikwe District.
The event was marked under the theme: “Safeguarding Uganda’s Progress: Empowering the Workforce and Promoting Decent Work for Competitive Enterprise.”
The President argued that Uganda already has sufficient job opportunities, particularly in agriculture, if citizens adopt government-guided production models. “The issue is not jobs, it is about following government advice,” he said.
He cited the example of Mr Richard Nyakana of Fort Portal, who reportedly operates on just 1.2 acres of land yet earns over UGX 200 million annually through poultry and dairy farming while employing 12 people. He also referenced small-scale success stories, such as Basangwa in Kamuli, who started poultry farming on a 50-by-100 plot and now generates significant income.
President Museveni noted that Uganda has approximately 40 million acres of arable land, stressing that widespread adoption of such models would naturally generate employment. He further encouraged citizens to embrace the four-acre model or other small-scale commercial farming approaches.
On financing, the President cautioned against borrowing from high-interest commercial banks, instead advising citizens to use government-supported financing mechanisms.
“Instead, he encouraged borrowing from the Uganda Development Bank, which offers lower interest rates,” the President said, adding that programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) would be strengthened, with plans to double its funding in the next term. He also urged beneficiaries to repay loans to ensure sustainability.
Housing, Education, and Industrial Growth
On workers’ welfare, President Museveni pledged government intervention in housing, stating that land near industrial parks would be secured for the construction of affordable housing units. He added that if private developers do not participate, the National Housing and Construction Company would take on the responsibility.
Addressing education concerns, he acknowledged issues regarding irrelevant academic courses and pledged reforms. “We are really going to take it up,” he assured.
The President also attributed Uganda’s industrial expansion—now exceeding 5,000 factories—to sustained peace and strategic investment in electricity infrastructure. He recalled past power shortages in 2005–2006 and said the government prioritised electricity generation to resolve the crisis.
He urged Members of Parliament to support key infrastructure projects, including electricity expansion, oil refinery development, cross-border water transport with Tanzania, railway construction, and increased agricultural investment through the PDM.
Environment, Fisheries, and Economic Transition
President Museveni called for stronger regulation of fisheries and warned against overdependence on lake resources. He also cautioned against wetland encroachment, advocating for sustainable environmental use.
He cited Limoto Wetland, where farmers reportedly shifted from rice growing to fish farming along wetland edges, earning over UGX 70 million per acre. He further highlighted productivity differences in agricultural methods, referencing a government farm in Bushenyi that produced 53 tonnes of bananas through irrigation and fertiliser use, compared to 5 tonnes from neighbouring traditional farms.
On national savings, the President raised concerns about the underutilisation of funds within the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), suggesting investment in infrastructure projects such as toll roads, including the planned Kampala–Jinja expressway.
He also urged a national transition into the money economy, encouraging legislators to assess how many constituents are engaged in productive economic activity.
Workers’ Leaders Respond
Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo thanked the President for prioritising workers’ welfare.
Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Hon. Betty Amongi, commended government efforts in maintaining peace and security, describing it as the foundation for jobs, development, and food security, while noting Buikwe’s growing status as an industrial hub.
Mr Okello Musa, Chairman General of the National Organisation of Trade Unions, welcomed the rollout of the Public Service Pension Scheme scheduled for July and the increase in the PAYE threshold. However, he raised concerns about worker accommodation and education-system mismatches.
Mr Fred Bamwesigye, representing the Federation of Uganda Employers, praised government reforms under the Third National Development Plan, including proposed increases in PDM funding from UGX 100 million to UGX 200 million and amendments to the Employment Act.
State Minister for Labour and Industrial Relations, Hon. Esther Anyakun, appreciated the President for assenting to labour-related legislation, describing it as a step forward for workers’ rights and industrial harmony.
