UPDF General (rtd) Salim Saleh Akandwanaho, the chief coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) boasted of his “greatest asset” live on television saying he can transform a remote area into a desired industrial park like what he did to Kapeka.
The NRM historical who wields a lot of power but rarely makes public appearances shocked many Ugandans with his rhetoric while expounding on the achievements of OWC a campaign he has personally handled while extending it to rural areas.
Mr. Saleh was appearing on NBS TV on Thursday night from his farm in Kapeka where he has established infrastructure and many factories which manufacture products like tiles, furniture, process milk and many more.
He said cooperatives shouldn’t be forced to arise they will come on their own because it is a factual reality.
“What’s important is for farmers to organize themselves into groups that are hinged on production not consumption. If the only way they can survive and later evolve in some form of cooperative without imposing ourselves on them,” he said.
He added: “We are going to work with technical institutions and universities to start skilling students and farmers. Most of the youth want to do degree courses other than the technical courses yet all these industries mushrooming needs both skilled and semi-skilled labour equally.”
He also shed light on government’s decision to liaise with a few tertiary institutions like Muni University in Arua to help skill farmers.
OWC generally empowers farmers in the country. The campaign has seen millions of Ugandans transform their lives.
Saleh, said he decided to shift base to Kapeka after he was chased by the people of Arua who claimed he wanted to grab their land yet he was looking at a bigger picture of transforming the area into an economic hub.
However, he said it wasn’t too late to do the magic like he has done to Kapeka. He thus bragged, “I know I am a genius. If the people of Arua can give me an opportunity.”
