Gen. Saleh discusses regional development with EA parliamentarians

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The Operation Wealth Creation programme chief co-ordinator, Gen. Salim Saleh, has hosted a delegation of members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) at his upcountry home in Kirema, Nakaseke district.

The delegation, which was on December 1, 2025, led by Assembly Speaker Joseph Ntakirurimana, first had a guided tour of the Kapeeka Industrial Park.

Saleh's engagement with the EALA delegation centred on exploring regional development priorities, including strengthening cross-border trade, enhancing agricultural productivity, expanding markets and unlocking opportunities in lake transport and the Blue Economy.

The Operation Wealth Creation programme chief co-ordinator, Gen. Salim Saleh, during a meeting with a delegation of members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) at his upcountry home in Kirema, Nakaseke district. (Courtesy)

Discussions also reflected on the spirit of Musevenomics, which advocates for stable markets, integrated regional economies and efficient use of the factors of production to drive East Africa’s long-term dream of transformation.

"Regional integration is non-negotiable for East Africa’s economic survival. However, land conflicts, limited market access and weak transport systems continue to hinder trade," Saleh said.

He pointed to the urgent need to modernise lake transport, deepen co-operation among partner states, and harness the Blue Economy as new frontiers of growth.

"Uganda and the region can only achieve sustained transformation through peace, integrated markets, efficient land use, and a production-driven economy," Saleh said.

During the engagement, OWC director of operations Damalie Owori highlighted Uganda’s economic journey from the collapse of the 1970s economy to today’s regional market-driven transformation and emphasised why integration, standardised trade systems, and modern factors of production are essential for East Africa’s prosperity.

"Sustainable development will be achieved only when nations within the region trade together, plan together, and grow together," Owori said.

Ntakirurimana expressed the Assembly's commitment towards widening and deepening economic, political, social, and cultural integration.

He underscored the need to improve the quality of life of the people of East Africa through increased competitiveness, value-added production, trade and investment.

"This can be achieved by fostering cooperation, creating a single market and investment area, and promoting sustainable development across member states," he said.