We can't have jobs without wealth creation — Museveni

President Yoweri Museveni has re-emphasised the importance of wealth creation, describing it as a fundamental instrument to job creation. 

He argued that focusing on generating wealth through private sector-led initiatives naturally leads to the creation of employment opportunities for other people.

Museveni was addressing a public rally on Thursday (April 17) in Kiboga West constituency as he concluded his wealth creation tour in the Greater Mubende sub-region. 

“The government jobs (teachers, doctors, security, sub-county and parish chiefs, etc) are only 480,000 compared to the population of 46 million Ugandans. Therefore, government jobs can't help us," he said. 

Museveni argued that focusing on generating wealth through private sector-led initiatives naturally leads to the creation of employment opportunities for other people. (PPU Photos)

"More jobs are in the private sector, especially in commercial agriculture and dairy production."

Museveni gave an example of transport state minister Fred Byamukama, whose commercial farm in Bugangaizi in Kagadi district employs over 26 people, with the least earning sh200,000 per month.

“That’s how jobs are created. We cannot have jobs without wealth creation."

The President believes that wealth creation leads to expanding the tax base, which the government then uses to work on the collective developmental programmes of the whole country, such as constructing roads and schools, extending electricity, and building health facilities.

He added that, however much the government extends these developmental services, such as tarmac roads and electricity, it will not get Ugandans out of poverty if they don’t engage in income-generating activities at the household or individual level.

The President also emphasised the importance of the Parish Development Model (PDM) as a cornerstone of Uganda's strategy for wealth creation and poverty alleviation, to transition approximately 39 percent of Ugandans from subsistence farming into the money economy. 

“We started with Entandikwa, then NAADS, Operation Wealth Creation, and now we are on PDM and Emyooga. All that is to help get you out of poverty in your family or household. 

"The tarmac roads are for all of us, but you, as an individual, how do you use them to get out of poverty? I want all of you to start. I don’t want to be rich alone, leading poor people,” said Museveni.

He appreciated the religious leaders in Greater Mubende, who he said are walking in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, who, apart from preaching the gospel, healing the sick, and feeding the hungry, himself worked in carpentry.

Museveni also addressed the sticky issue of land conflicts in Kiboga and Greater MubendeVat large, which involves irregular acquisition of land and the displacement of legitimate occupants.

He explained that while regulating the relationship between the landlord and the tenant, it was made clear in the constitution that no landlord is allowed to evict a tenant who has been on the same land since 1983 or before, adding that landlords who refuse rent fees (Obusuulu) will, going forward, be required to collect it from the district.

“This issue, I hear that the landlords don’t accept rent fees (obusuulu); that’s up to them. The Ministry of Lands will organize where to put the rent; whether the landlord picks it up or not is up to them,” said the President.

Lands minister Judith Nabakooba had earlier explained that her ministry will soon open up bank accounts per district where tenants can deposit rent fees that are rejected by landlords.

Vice-President Jessica Alupo thanked President Museveni for monitoring the wealth creation programmes in the country.

“We all know that the mantle of securing the future of Uganda is an uphill task that requires lifelong commitment, dedication, vast knowledge, and experience," she said.

"It meets the leadership that has been tried and has been tested and found worthy to be entrusted with such responsibility, and Your Excellency, the people of Uganda find all these qualities in you at least from the messages we have received from the 13 subregions across Uganda."

Alupo said that under the NRM leadership, Uganda has made giant steps in restoring political stability and security for all persons and their property across Uganda.

The deputy secretary general of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), Rose Namayanja, informed the President that Greater Mubende has transformed tremendously following its expansion from two districts to now five.

She said major accomplishments in education, health services, roads, and wealth creation programs have been realised.

“No government in Uganda has ever given back to its population like the NRM. That has never happened. People thought you only visited big factories, but we have seen you visiting small farmers who are starting small, and you’re empowering them further,” said Namayanja.

Greater Mubende is located in the central region of Uganda and comprises seven local governments: Kassanda, Kiboga, Kyankwanzi, Mityana, Mubende, Mityana Municipality, and Mubende Municipality.