Uganda's economic progress attributed to unity, peace

OPINION

So often we talk about the failure of a society or a community more so a country. Never do we often get a moment and meditate on the crucial factors that allow us to thrive or survive, be it as an individual, family, enterprises, communities name it.

We ought to always give credit to where it deserves, or more so acknowledge that yes, we have achieved this, and thus set more goals to achieve more and more.

It is the campaign season, a time to make a fundamental choice in whom you trust for the future of your success, note as you ponder on that choice, it is evident, where we have come from to where we are, a country with 14 million as population 35 years ago and over 40 million today.

This is a success story attributed to the safeguard measure by the Government to ensure we are all immunised from all the killer diseases.

I am fortunate to be on the campaign trail witnessing the beauty of our country from the eyes view. Having traversed most districts in the north, it is amazing, to learn more of the treasures our country posses through its landscapes, serene, nature, the birds, the unbeatable weather not forgetting the humility from us as Ugandans regardless of the region.

I now appreciate the very first reason why the early explorer Winston Churchill, indeed said Uganda is the "Pearl of Africa" describing it as a fairy tale, with unique environment attributes and moderate climate due to its location on the equator.

Words are not enough to describe Uganda, but you need to see the country for yourself. Uganda has got a variety of things to offer in fact everything you might need in the travel is most likely to be in Uganda.

My experience on the campaign trail starting from Luweero has been one I can't trade for anything. This incredible beautiful green country, the weather both rain and sunshine, the highway road network -  90% all tarmacked, then the different communities and environment, I was in awe as I kept pressing the window button down so just I get a clear and closer view, the liveliness plus developments of the several cities along the road, not forgetting the industriousness of some major cities, an indication of economic progress in these areas. 

No wonder on one instance when I posted the Moroto road, some of us, discarded it as photoshop. These first-class roads actually do exist and yet more are still under construction. 

Uganda for the last 10 years boasts of unwavering peace, which peace brings about stability promotes private sector-friendly policies, which attracts foreign direct investment (FDI) which tackles shortages, creates jobs, and contributes to the collection of taxes used for massive infrastructural developments across the country.  There is national peace.

In the last 10 years, the northern region witnessed a significant increase in number of organisations, which created employment opportunities, at the same time complement government's agenda of wealth creation, the number of businesses increased from about 10,000 in 2000/2001 to 37,399 in 2010/2011 to over 60,000 (estimate) in 2020, the services are decentralised to the region, including registration of companies, processing of national identification plus the industrial parks. 

The level of capital investment in the northern region increased tremendously in the past 15 years, attributed to stability that gradually attracted key investments for instance the new Atiak Sugar factory that is employing over 1,500 people directly in Amuru, Ngetta Tropical Holdings in Lira supporting over 24, 000 farmers and Moroto Ateker Cement Company Limited in Moroto expected to employ over 600 people among other individual successful stories, this is without the tourism and cultural heritage promotion.

Uganda is on the path to achieving middle-income status through the income per capita method. We are not far. We need to add $121 on $905 and we are there. Our current GDP per capita is at $905 yet the middle-income status begins from $1,026 to $4,035.

With this we are assured of the desired middle-income status, this means having a purchasing power parity. Uganda's economy has great potential and appears poised for rapid economic growth and development.

The recent Bloomberg report mentions Uganda as among the fastest-growing economy this year, behind Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Vietnam, China, and ahead of Cote D'Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya.

With ease I typed away my article as I enjoyed writing this piece, on the high way road from Mbale, through Manafwa, Tororo destination is Busia - all tarmacked - it is a smooth ride, typing away with ease.  Securing the Future.

The writer is the PS/ADMIN/HE The President