Understanding President Museveni’s Commitment to Job Creation & Poverty Reduction.
By Buyinza Adam Luzindana
Uganda’s economy has remained resilient, and is on a steady recovery path since it was highly affected by COVID-19. The size of the economy is estimated at Shs. 184.3 Trillion, compared to Shs. 162.9 Trillion in 2022. This is equivalent to US$ 49.4 billion compared to US$ 45.6 billion in 2022.
The November 2022 National Labour Force survey puts the size of the Labor force at 23.5 million people. Out of these, 10 million were employed, representing 42% employment rate. Another 8.2 million, equivalent to 35%, were engaged in subsistence agriculture and 9 out of every 10 employed Ugandans were working in the informal sector. Close to 380,000 employment opportunities have been created under the Presidential Initiative on wealth and job creation – Emyooga.
Here is an article on the programs and projects put in place by the NRM Government to create jobs and fight poverty since 1986:
Since assuming power in 1986, the NRM Government has been dedicated to tackling two of Uganda’s most pressing challenges:poverty and unemployment. Recognizing the critical role of economic empowerment in achieving national prosperity, the government has implemented a range of programs and projects aimed at creating jobs, reducing poverty, and transforming Uganda into a self-sustaining industrial modern economy.
Early Initiatives (1986-1995): Economic Recovery Program (ERP): Launched in 1987, ERP aimed to stabilize the economy, promote economic growth, and reduce poverty.
Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs): Implemented in the 1990s, SAPs focused on liberalizing the economy, privatizing state-owned enterprises, and promoting private sector growth.
National Agricultural Extension Program (NAEP):Introduced in 1993, NAEP aimed to improve agricultural productivity, increase farmers’ incomes, and enhance food security.
Poverty Reduction Initiatives (1995-2005):Poverty Eradication Action Plan (PEAP): Launched in 1997,PEAP focused on reducing poverty, improving healthcare, education, and water access.
Universal Primary Education (UPE):Introduced in 1997,UPE aimed to increase access to education,reducing illiteracy and poverty.
Entandikwa Scheme:Launched in 2002,this program provided financial support to vulnerable groups, including the elderly, orphans, and people with disabilities.
Job Creation and Industrialization Initiatives (2005-Present)
National Development Plan (NDP) which was Launched in 2010, NDP prioritized infrastructure development, industrialization, and job creation.
Vision 2040 introduced in 2013 with aim to transform Uganda into a middle-income country by 2040 with a focus on industrialization, innovation, and economic growth.
Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) launched in 2013.OWC aims to reduce poverty and unemployment through agricultural modernization, value addition, and job creation.
Skilling Uganda was introduced in 2011.This program focuses on equipping youth with vocational skills, entrepreneurship training, and mentorship.
Industrialization Policy was launched in 2014 to promote industrial development, increase exports and create jobs.
It’s therefore important to appreciate President Museveni’s Leadership because his unwavering support for Uganda’s transformation into a self-sustaining industrial modern economy has been instrumental in driving these initiatives as mentioned above.
Gen Museveni leadership has:
- Stabilized the economy, creating a conducive environment for investment and growth.
- Fostered a culture of entrepreneurship, innovation, and hard work.
- Prioritized infrastructure development, enhancing connectivity and facilitating trade.
- Promoted agriculture modernization, increasing productivity and farmers’ incomes.
- Empowered youth through education, skills development, and job creation initiatives.
Under President Museveni’s leadership, Uganda has made significant strides in reducing poverty and unemployment. The country’s economic growth rate has averaged 7% per annum, and poverty rates have declined from 56% in 1993 to 21%.
While challenges persist, the NRM Government’s commitment to job creation and poverty reduction remains unwavering and President Museveni’s vision for a prosperous, industrialized Uganda continues to inspire and drive progress.
The Writer is Buyinza Adam Luzindana CEO of Public Opinions a field based firm involved in Information Dissemination, Public Awareness, Training and mentorship, issues Research, Investment Advisory, Recognizing best performing institutions with the Responsible Investment Global Certification Awards,etc.
Web: www.publicopinions.net
