The President further raised concerns about underutilized savings under the National Social Security Fund Uganda, proposing that such funds be invested in infrastructure projects like toll roads, including the planned Kampala–Jinja expressway.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, as Uganda joined the rest of the world to celebrate International Labour Day.
The national event was held at Bishop Nkoyoyo Boarding Primary School Grounds in Matale, Buikwe District, under the theme: “Safeguarding Uganda’s Progress: Empowering the Workforce and Promoting Decent Work for Competitive Enterprise.”
In his address, President Museveni pledged concrete measures to support workers, including plans to secure land near industrial parks for the construction of affordable housing. He noted that if private investors do not take up the initiative, the National Housing and Construction Company will be mandated to implement the project.
The President stressed that sustainable employment is rooted in wealth creation, particularly through agriculture. He said Uganda already has abundant opportunities, pointing to successful small-scale farmers who are generating significant income and creating jobs from limited land.
He cited examples of individuals earning millions from poultry and dairy farming, noting that with Uganda’s vast arable land, similar models could significantly reduce unemployment. “The issue is not jobs, it is about following government advice,” he said, urging citizens to adopt structured farming approaches such as the four-acre model.
Museveni cautioned Ugandans against entering business ventures without proper planning and warned against reliance on high-interest loans from commercial banks. Instead, he encouraged borrowing from the Uganda Development Bank, which offers more favorable rates. He also highlighted the Parish Development Model (PDM), revealing plans to double its funding in the next government term, while urging accountability among beneficiaries.
On education, the President acknowledged concerns about the relevance of some academic programs and assured the public that the government would streamline courses to better match the needs of the job market.
Reflecting on Uganda’s industrial progress, Museveni attributed the growth of over 5,000 factories to sustained peace and strategic investment in electricity, recalling past power shortages and efforts to stabilize supply. He called on Members of Parliament to support key infrastructure projects, including electricity expansion, oil refinery development, water transport links with Tanzania, and railway construction.
He also emphasized the need to transition more Ugandans into the money economy and urged leaders to assess how many of their constituents are productively engaged. On natural resources, he called for stricter regulation of fishing and warned against wetland encroachment, advocating for sustainable use to support long-term productivity.
The President further raised concerns about underutilized savings under the National Social Security Fund Uganda, proposing that such funds be invested in infrastructure projects like toll roads, including the planned Kampala–Jinja expressway.
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Vice President Jessica Alupo commended the President for prioritizing workers’ issues, while Gender, Labour and Social Development Minister Betty Amongi praised the government for maintaining peace and security, which she described as essential for job creation and development.
Labour leaders welcomed some of the government’s efforts but also highlighted ongoing challenges. Okello Musa, Chairman General of the National Organization of Trade Unions, commended the rollout of the Public Service Pension Scheme and tax adjustments, but raised concerns about worker accommodation and gaps in the education system.
Meanwhile, Fred Bamwesigye, representing the Federation of Uganda Employers, lauded the government’s development agenda and proposed increase in PDM funding, as well as amendments to the Employment Act.
State Minister for Labour and Industrial Relations Esther Anyakun also praised the President for assenting to key labour laws, reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving working conditions and promoting inclusive economic growth.
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