Uganda to generate 70 million jobs through PDM-President Museveni

President Yoweri Museveni has emphasized the need for Uganda to prioritize job creation for its citizens rather than focusing solely on the welfare and remuneration of the employed few, in his address at the Namutumba ceremonial grounds during the International Labour Day celebrations.

While acknowledging the importance of the welfare and remuneration of workers, President Museveni highlighted that the majority of the population remains unemployed, with only a small fraction of 10 million people being employed.

He urged citizens to support government programs such as the Parish Development Model aimed at creating jobs and generating wealth. According to the President, the implementation of the Parish Development Model could lead to the creation of 70 million jobs across the country through modern agriculture alone.

“If we seriously implement the Parish Development Model, we shall generate 70 million jobs in the 7 million homesteads across the country through modern agriculture alone. The colonialist created enough jobs for Ugandans and even imported labour from neighbouring countries by introducing cash crops in pre-independence Uganda,” the President noted.

However, President Museveni identified corrupt politicians and civil servants as hindrances to the country’s development agenda. He pledged to take strong action against these officials and promised to establish a special office in his office where the public could report government officials demanding bribes or delaying the decision-making process.

“We are going to have a big fight with the corrupt. I don’t want you to fall victim to this negative vice. Let’s join hands and fight corruption and be part of the future of the new Africa,” President Museveni appealed to all Ugandans.

During the event, the Minister for Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Hon. Betty Amongi, emphasized the need to improve the ethical behaviour and integrity of Uganda’s labour force, which she claimed was driving up the cost of doing business in the country.

She noted that Uganda’s labour competitiveness was the lowest in the region and needed improvement to reflect positively on productivity.

The function was attended by several government officials, including Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, Chief Justice Alphonse Owiny-Dollo, and diplomats.