KOLOLO, Uganda : President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has stated that Uganda’s domestic production capacity now meets 65 percent of all goods required by the local market. The President revealed this during the 40th National Liberation Day celebrations held at Kololo Independence Grounds, commemorated under the theme “A Tribute to the Patriots Who Ushered in the Fundamental Change.”
He said the achievement underscores the success of the NRM government’s long-term strategy to build local production capacity and promote self-reliance.
President Museveni attributed the progress to focused investments in the four core sectors of the economy; that is commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and information and communication technology (ICT).
According to the President, these sectors have laid a strong foundation for sustainable growth and reduced dependence on imports.
During the celebrations, the President highlighted Uganda’s political and economic gains over the last four decades as he decorated 33 distinguished Ugandans for their selfless contribution to national development.
The awardees received various national honors, including the Crested Crane–Grand Commander, National Independence Diamond Jubilee Medal, Nalubale Medal, Masaba Star, Luweero Triangle Medal, Personal Sacrifice Award, and the Meritorious Service Award.
Among those honored were; Justice Emeritus Ralph Ochan, Mr Barot Harshad Maganbai, Mr Ikokoro Okware, Ms Teddy Naluwu, Ms Rwamunono Nathan, Mr Dakta Onesimus, Dr Steven Watiti, Dr Mugamba Paul Francis, Ms Violet Kekitanda, Mzee Bukokosi James, Kiwanuka JohnMary, Kiiza Evelyn, Mbabazi Maryeeyan, Mbabazi Norah, Lt. Gen. Rt. Francis Okello, Brig. Gen. Kefa Nangeso, Col. Moses Ikuret, Col. Hamuzata Mukata, Lt. col. Mercy Adda, Warrant Officer Ssemakula Bosco, Warrant Officer Muramira Gerald, Staff Sergeant Eongor Girigorio, Hajji Bogere Abdu, PPC Kwaja Charles, D/IP Kyakuwaire Betty, ASP Masaba Moses, IP Tushabe Silver, AIP Nankungu Sarah, Yusuf Mukembo, Anthanasi Ous Nyawe, John Peter Opado, Nasimbwa Harriet and Opikason Tarantino.
President Museveni also used the occasion to respond to critics of the NRM government, dismissing claims that Uganda has not changed over the years. He pointed to peace and stability, socioeconomic development, and wealth creation initiatives as tangible achievements made under NRM leadership.
He thanked Ugandans and the NRM fraternity for their continued support and for participating actively in elections to safeguard these gains.
The President explained that Uganda’s economy has evolved through five transformative phases: minimum economic recovery, expansion, diversification, value addition, and now the transition to a knowledge-based economy.
President Museveni further expressed optimism about Uganda’s economic future, assuring the nation of double-digit economic growth starting this year as commercial oil production takes shape. He noted that the NRM government has restored the economy from USD 3.9 billion inherited from previous regimes to over USD 60 billion, growing at an average rate of 7 percent, with expectations of further expansion driven by oil and gas development.
President Museveni also revealed that Uganda’s Balance of Payments has recorded a surplus of USD 2.37 billion in exports, describing the milestone as historic and attributing it to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government’s strategic leadership and sustained economic reforms.
The President added that his current priority is to integrate the remaining 30 percent of Ugandans into the money economy, ensuring inclusive growth and shared prosperity.
He further outlined the government’s key strategic priorities going forward, while issuing a strong warning against corruption within the judiciary, which he said remains a major obstacle to access to justice.
The President said the government will intensify focus on critical socioeconomic development areas, including the provision of free universal education in all government schools, free healthcare services, the establishment of a national road maintenance programme, and the expansion of wealth and job creation initiatives across the country.
On the Parish Development Model (PDM), the President ordered an immediate review of its regulations and directed the arrest of officials implicated in extortion and theft of PDM funds. He specifically cited some Parish Chiefs, parish focal persons, and Parish SACCO chairpersons for abusing the programme in certain areas.
The President emphasized that the PDM, which he described as a “silver bullet” for ending household poverty, will not be allowed to fail due to corruption or mismanagement. He consequently ordered the dissolution of improperly constituted PDM committees to restore integrity and effectiveness to the programme.
In a move aimed at strengthening urban household incomes, President Museveni further announced plans to significantly increase PDM funding for SACCOs in urban areas, raising annual allocations from the current Shs100 million to between Shs300 million and Shs400 million.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring accountability, inclusive growth, and tangible improvements in the livelihoods of all Ugandans.
“I thank God for guiding us through the electoral process, I salute all Ugandans for participating, and I thank NRM members for defending the achievements of our country,” President Museveni said, reaffirming his commitment to Uganda’s continued transformation.
