President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reaffirmed Uganda’s economic growth, scientific advancements, and military strength, emphasizing the country’s progress. While speaking at the 44th Tarehe Sita anniversary celebrations at Kasana Township Grounds in Kyotera District, Museveni highlighted key achievements in infrastructure, agriculture, and industrialization while urging citizens to embrace modernization.
He acknowledged challenges in road maintenance and pledged government action to rehabilitate deteriorating roads. “We have done many roads in Uganda, but some people in the Ministry of Works and Transport have focused on new roads and forgotten the old ones. We have now told them clearly to consolidate the old roads before building new ones,” Museveni said.
Museveni emphasized Uganda’s economic transformation, noting that the country’s GDP had grown from USD 4 billion in 1986 to USD 59 billion. He projected faster growth with the extraction of oil. “With oil, our growth rate will exceed 10%,” he said.
He outlined Uganda’s economic journey through five phases: subsistence farming, commercialization of agriculture, value addition, industrialization, and the transition into a knowledge-based economy. “Many Ugandans did not know that maize, fruits, and milk were cash crops. We have now commercialized them,” he said. He urged farmers to adopt better practices such as weeding, mulching, and irrigation to maximize yields.
Museveni praised Uganda’s scientific progress, citing key innovations by local researchers. “Our scientists have developed a vaccine against ticks, and our researchers at Busitema University and Mbarara have found medicine that can treat COVID-19 and other viruses,” he revealed. He pledged to reward the scientists, stating, “I am going to ask Mama Janet Museveni, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and the other children to give me permission to sell some of my cows and reward these scientists.”
He also highlighted Uganda’s growing technological capabilities. “Our people have started making digital gadgets like water meters and solar water pumps. We need to support them and move to mass production,” he said.
Museveni commended the people of Masaka for their role in Uganda’s liberation struggle and economic progress. He urged farmers in Katonga to focus on fish farming instead of rice cultivation, promising further discussions on sustainable agricultural practices.
Reaffirming national security, Museveni assured Ugandans of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces' (UPDF) readiness to maintain peace. “I assure the people of Uganda that UPDF has the capacity to keep you safe,” he said.
During the event, 41 distinguished Ugandans received medals in recognition of their contributions to the country.
In attendance was the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Ministers, UPDF officials, Members of Parliament, Local Leaders among others.
