President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended Uganda’s business community for promoting national stability and peace, and for facilitating access to regional and global markets.
The President made the remarks while officiating at the Kampala Business Forum held at Kampala Serena Hotel under the theme: “The Power of Collaboration: Public–Private Partnerships for National Transformation.”
President Museveni applauded the Kampala business community for supporting government-led economic transformation initiatives, describing them as the backbone of the country’s growing middle class.
“You are the middle-class people who depend on what we call profit. Profit is the difference between the cost of production and the final price. You are profit makers; you are the middle class, not peasants,” President Museveni said.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to structured infrastructure development and expanded market access, urging the private sector to continue investing productively. “The Bible says that whatever a man does, that is what he reaps, and this business forum is exactly what NRM has planted,” he said.
Drawing historical parallels, President Museveni said the rise of the middle class has often driven economic and political transformation.
“The middle class, the bourgeois, were part of the French Revolution because it was the feudalists who had brought taxes. What we are seeing here is you, the middle class, coming up and discovering the interest of integrating a united Uganda and also a united East Africa,” he said.
The President added that economies thrive when citizens focus on shared economic interests rather than identity differences, noting that Uganda’s emphasis on interest-based politics has created a stable environment for investment.
The business community, led by Mr Emmanuel Katongole, Chairperson of the Presidential CEO Forum, thanked President Museveni and the NRM government for creating a conducive business climate.
“His Excellency’s leadership has connected the doors of national development like a master planner, ensuring that no sector grows in isolation. These are the gains that we must protect,” Mr Katongole said.
He added, “Business and industry love peace and stability. Without peace and stability, businesses fail, and families get disgruntled. That is why we are here today. We are the business leaders and the beneficiaries of that level of peace and security.”
During the forum, the business community formally endorsed President Museveni for re-election and resolved to support him in the 2026 general elections. “I congratulate you and welcome your endorsement,” President Museveni said in response.
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa thanked the private sector for the endorsement. “I want to thank the private sector for endorsing President Museveni; you have made our work easy in driving national development,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Amos Wekesa, Chief Executive Officer of Great Lakes Safaris, thanked the President for supporting the tourism sector. “Your Excellency, I want to thank you for the tourism industry. It’s now doing wonders. We now have many tourists travelling around Uganda,” Mr Wekesa said.
