President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged the people in the Northern parts of Uganda to prioritise value addition, education, and skills development as key drivers of socio-economic transformation.
The President made the call while addressing thousands of residents during his first rally in the Acholi Sub-region held in Amuru District.
In his detailed address, President Museveni traced Uganda’s historical journey from pre-colonial kingdoms to the post-independence era, noting that stability, education, and productive enterprise have been central to the country’s progress.
The President highlighted that government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and the establishment of industrial skilling centres are designed to empower ordinary citizens, especially the youth, to participate in the money economy.
He commended the testimonies of young people who have benefited from the Industrial Skilling Centres in the Northern region, saying their success stories reflect the tangible impact of government initiatives on household incomes.
“When I see these young people who dropped out of school but are now running their own welding and metal fabrication businesses, I feel very happy,” President Museveni remarked. “This is why I introduced free education in 1996,so that every child, rich or poor, can have a chance to get a better life.”
The President reiterated that education remains a cornerstone of Uganda’s transformation and urged parents to ensure their children stay in school.
“You cannot be a modern human being without education,” he said. “Even if you have land or cattle, education will help you use them productively.”
President Museveni also emphasised the importance of prioritising development projects that directly benefit communities, particularly roads, schools, and health centres.
“When we plan, let us agree on what comes first,” he noted. “If a road is more important than many smaller things, let’s all support it because it will serve farmers, traders, and even those not in government.”
Touching on Uganda’s demographic growth, the President credited government immunisation programmes for reducing child mortality and improving life expectancy.
“In 1994, Uganda’s population was about 16 million; today it is over 45 million. That shows the success of our health programmes such as immunisation,” he said.
He encouraged the youth to embrace modern farming and small-scale industries, pointing out examples of farmers earning millions from milk and other agricultural products even in remote areas.
“Even in rural areas, you can become a millionaire if you add value to your produce. Don’t wait for town jobs the wealth is in your village,” he added.
President Museveni concluded by reaffirming his government’s commitment to promoting education, industrialisation, and community development across Uganda.
