President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has Tuesday afternoon unequivocally acknowledged that he has ruled Uganda for a long time giving him more experience to understand how to sort the country’s problems.
Museveni made the once-in-a lifetime acceptance long-stay in power nod as he delivered the state of the nation address.
I am an enigma
To admit that indeed he has stayed long in power, Museveni was relating to the fast developing nation of United Arab Emirates (UAE) referring to it as a country that experienced growth with little support from agriculture.
Museveni said the Arab nation and its leaders had in foresight turned a huge number of unemployed youth into a massive workforce by setting up industries and service stations for them to run.
The President added that as a result, they had turned the work force into a wealthy society with enormous jobs for their young population.
“I have never gone to Dubai in my personal capacity. I have always gone there as president,” Museveni said.
Humour laden speech
Museveni’s speech attracted attention from the audience with a section of the opposition MPs telling him that it is because he has been president for long time as the reason he has not traveled to Dubai as an ordinary citizen.
“Yes it is true. I have ruled for a long time. But that makes me more experienced. That is why even if you woke me up, I can easily tell you about Uganda’s stature with no struggle,” Museveni admitted.
Industrialization is way to go
The President unveiled a master plan for the unemployed youth wandering on Kampala streets seeking for employment.
Unlike previously when government looked at agriculture as the only option to curb the increasing rate of employment, this time round, Museveni said government needs to set up industries for these young people so that they engage in processing and servicing.
He gave the example of the much revered American state of Texas that is highly praised for its production.
“But only 2% of the population in Texas is involved in agricultural production.”
He added that, those already in the agro-sector should be left in the industry while government would now look for other avenues to create green jobs for the youth.
The President said he had identified a huge chunk of land in Kajjansi, Kampala where a processing factory can be erected that will cater for thousands of youth roaming on the streets.
Whereas some leaders have concurred with the President’s new plan, some experts wondered whether these new factories wouldn’t require agricultural raw materials for production since Uganda is an agro-based economy.
The state of the nation address will be debated upon by parliament and the Leader of Opposition (LoP) making her response.
The briefing was held at Serena Conference Centre in Kampala.
