With oil, our rate of growth will go into double-digits — Museveni

KYOTERA - President Yoweri Museveni, who is also the Commander-In-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has assured that Uganda’s economy will grow into double digits when the country starts producing its oil.

“After June (this year), our economy will grow by 7.3 percent without oil. That's a high growth speed, very few countries can achieve that. With oil, our rate of growth will go into double digits; more than 10 percent,” he said earlier today (Thursday, February 6th).

The President who was in the company of the First Lady and the Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, made the remarks today during the 44th Tarehe Sita Anniversary celebrations at Kasasa Township Grounds in Kyotera District.

The celebrations commemorate the National Resistance Army attack on Kabamba Military barracks on February 6, 1981.

The celebrations ran under the theme: “Celebrating Pan-African Solidarity and People’s Sacrifice in the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy for Socio-Economic Transformation”.

Tarehe Sita is observed annually on 6th February, and it is a symbol of the founding of the People’s army. The day commemorates the heroic efforts of the Founding Fathers and the People’s revolution.

The events attracted dignitaries including the Vice President,  Jessica Alupo, NRM  Deputy Chairman, Alhajj Moses Kigongo, the NRM Secretary General, Richard Todwong,  cabinet Ministers and  Members of Parliament and senior officers of the security forces.

Addressing hundreds the President noted that the economy of Uganda is growing progressively, all in the account of the five phases that the economy and society have gone through since 1986.

“As a consequence of all this, although we still have a lot to do, our economy will be USD59.3 billion by June 2025 using the Foreign Exchange Method but USD168.5 billion by the Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) method. Remember we started with USD4 billion in 1986,” he said, according to a release from the Presidential Press Unit - PPU.

“The phases include minimum economic recovery by bringing back the 3Cs (Coffee, cotton and copper) and 3Ts (Tobacco, Tea and Tourism) of the colonial economy which Idi Amin has destroyed, the second phase was to expand this small economy, that is why with coffee now, we are at 9 million bags, we used to be at 2 million bags. Phase three is to diversify the economy, phase four is adding value and lastly, phase five, we have entered the knowledge economy which includes automobile and vaccines.”

Science innovations reward

The President also pledged to handsomely award local scientists who have been able to come up with different innovations like vaccines.

“We must congratulate our people.  Our team at Busitema University has discovered a medicine that can cure COVID-19 and other viruses. Additionally, the Kaziire Herbal Medicine group has made a similar breakthrough   Our university and some factories are now manufacturing most of the diagnostics we need. We are self-sufficient in sanitisers.” Museveni said.

He urged Ugandans to pursue value addition for all products if they are to benefit more from their economic sweat.

“The value addition innovations with coffee we are moving well. We are supporting a number of groups. Therefore, when we tell you that we are targeting an economy of USD 500 billion, in the next few years, take serious note of what we are saying,” he said.

“The Greater Masaka area is moving forward in terms of commercialization of coffee, palm oil and milk. Add irrigation to your efforts and the sky will be the limit. In the Katonga floodplain, we can do a lot of fishing. This rice I see there, I don't think it's a good idea, we shall talk about it.” he assured the massive crowd.

Giving the background of the National Resistance Army, the Commander in Chief revealed that from the beginning  NRA was fighting for certain philosophical, ideological and strategic principles and targets, citing them as some of the reasons why Uganda has been peaceful all these years.

“I assert that the philosophical, ideological and strategic stand has enabled Uganda to be peaceful all these years by building a strong army and other state institutions, expanding education and health services, modernising infrastructure, electricity, ensuring freedom of speech and worship and emphasising Pan-Africanism through regional and political integration,” he said.

Congratulating the combatants and the people of Uganda on the victories we have scored since the attack on Kabamba. Gen Museveni remarked.

“Since we are in Kakuuto, I cannot fail to thank the people of Greater Masaka for their support to the liberation in 1972, 1979, 1985-86. Big and historical battles were fought here, I thank you for your support. We thank God for these victories.” 

The President also reiterated UPDF’s capacity to protect Ugandans and their property.
“Like the CDF Gen. Muhoozi has assured you, the UPDF has all the capacity to protect you, supported by you as well as protecting your property," he stated.

Infrastructure development

President Museveni directed the works ministry, finance and planning to start consolidating the old roads before working on new ones.

“I need to apologize to the people of this area, we have done many roads in Uganda but the people in the planning ministry and of the works ministry had made some mistakes. They build new roads and forget old ones. That is how this road from Mutukula to Masaka deteriorated, and they came to work on it when it was a bit late. We have now told them very clearly that we should consolidate the old roads before you work on new ones. That scattered planning, we have stopped it.” stated Museveni.

The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth who urged Ugandans to  "guard and protect the achievements by the NRM without fear or favour,”  reported that as the political leadership at the Ministry, they work closely with the leadership of the army to achieve the goal of maintaining peace and security in Uganda.

“Your Excellency, you took the risk to stage an armed struggle with less equipment and now the CDF has said that our capability as a country has been enhanced so as Ugandans we should stay put and safeguard what God has given us.” said Oboth.

The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba said that the event marks a significant day in the history of the UPDF and the NRM and it demonstrates how far we have come and where we aim to go as a country. Ours has been a journey of continuous growth, some challenges notwithstanding,” he said.

“We honour and revere all those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for this country. With the guidance of our seniors and experience, we shall continue with the agenda of fundamental change in our country as best as we can including by granting security to all our citizens," he declared.

Gen.  Kainerugaba also expressed deep gratitude to President Museveni and all those who believed in his [the President] vision of a liberated, free and prosperous Uganda and Africa.

“To everyone who contributed to the liberation struggle, we owe you our heartfelt thanks. Tarehe Sita is special in our hearts, not only for its historical significance in the eventual NRA victory but also for the enduring achievements we continue to witness in our nation,” he said.

Kainerugaba added that, “As UPDF we have continued to work tirelessly to consolidate the fruits of the liberation struggle to ensure not only peace and security within our border but also supporting our brothers and sisters across the continent. This Pan-African spirit will remain a cornerstone of our mission as UPDF.”

At the same function, 41 individuals were awarded medals for their exceptional contribution towards Uganda’s liberation.