Power of numbers, strength of unity
“The real power lies not simply in our numbers, but in our ability to turn them into productive action and lasting prosperity," writes Sandor Lyle Walusimbi
Sandor Lyle Walusimbi. (File)
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OPINION
By Sandor Lyle Walusimbi
President Yoweri Museveni often speaks about the size of countries, the importance of markets and the need for Africans to unite. Whether discussing economic growth, technological advancement or the East African Political Federation, his message highlights an important principle.
People and nations can achieve much more when they organise their skills, resources and ambitions around a common purpose.
Mzee frequently points to China, India and the US to illustrate the advantages of scale. Their large populations provide extensive markets, a broad pool of talent and a substantial workforce.
The countries I mention above, plus Russia, are busy exploring space, and this achievement also depends on investment, scientific knowledge and long-term planning. Population creates opportunities, but how a country uses its people and resources determines what it achieves.
This is one of the arguments behind President Museveni’s advocacy for the political federation of East Africa. The region has the potential to become a stronger economic and strategic force by deepening integration among its countries.
Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, DR Congo and Somalia represent a substantial potential market. The East African Community had a population of about 331 million people in 2023, according to its published statistics. It has since grown to approximately 360 million to date.
With fewer trade barriers and better transport links, manufacturers could reach more customers, farmers could access wider markets, and investors could establish industries serving the region.
The benefits extend beyond trade. Regional integration will help all of us pursue scientific research, technological development and security initiatives that require substantial funding and specialised skills.
By combining their capabilities, countries can undertake projects that might be beyond the reach of individual nations.
We see the same principle in the savings and credit co-operative societies (SACCOS). By saving regularly, members build a common fund from which they can access loans under the agreed conditions.
A farmer who needs to buy a cow, a trader who wants to increase shop stock or a Musomesa planning to build a house may find it difficult to raise the required capital alone. A well-managed SACCOS can make financing more accessible while encouraging saving, financial discipline and productive investment.
The Parish Development Model (PDM), championed by President Museveni, applies a similar principle at the community level. Its goal is to help households move from subsistence production into the money economy by supporting income-generating activities through parish-level structures and SACCOS.
A farmer deep in Aleptong district can invest in better crop production, a poultry keeper in Bukomansimbi district can expand a business and a trader in Kisoro district can increase stock.
As these enterprises grow, they can raise household incomes, create jobs and stimulate demand for transport, storage, processing and other services.
The programme’s success, however, depends on beneficiaries using funds productively and meeting repayment obligations, alongside effective oversight and accountability.
President Museveni recently extended this thinking to family wealth during his visit to Sheema district. He cautioned families against unnecessarily dividing productive property after the death of the head of a family.
Instead, he encouraged them to consider arrangements such as placing property under a company in which family members hold shares and benefit from the profits.
The reasoning is straightforward. A productive farm, rental property or established business may support several generations. Dividing it without careful planning can reduce its productive capacity and create disputes among beneficiaries.
Keeping such assets together under a clear and fair ownership arrangement may preserve their value and income-generating potential. Any arrangement must, of course, respect inheritance laws and the rights of all beneficiaries. Like in my previous article about adding value to our everyday lives, these lessons of the power of numbers also apply.
In a workplace, colleagues who share knowledge can solve problems more effectively. In a community, residents can organise to improve sanitation and maintain local facilities. In families, open communication and sound planning can protect both relationships and property.
Individual effort remains essential, but recognising when collective action offers a better path is equally important. For Uganda, this means developing competitive industries and benefiting from a wider East African market.
For households, it means using initiatives such as the PDM to build sustainable businesses. For families, it means protecting productive wealth for future generations.
Ultimately, development depends on how effectively we use what we have. A large population, a well-managed SACCOS or a family business can all become valuable assets when guided by discipline, foresight and accountability.
The real power lies not simply in our numbers, but in our ability to turn them into productive action and lasting prosperity.
The writer is the senior press secretary to the President