His Excellency the Minister of the Presidency. Babiye Mili Babaranda emphasized that Uganda faces challenges in achieving middle-income status as a large portion of the Ugandan population is trapped in subsistence production.
dear. Babaranda shared this relevant information on 24 August 2023 while overseeing the conclusion of a 4-day retreat for Central Region leaders at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi.
The main purpose of this retreat organized by the Manifesto Implementation Unit of the Office of the President is to implement the obligations set out in the 2021/2026 Manifesto and the 23 Presidential Strategic Directives and Guidelines.
dear. Babaranda strongly suggests that once local government leaders succeed in encouraging people to adopt a mindset focused on commercial production, Uganda will fast-track its goal of becoming a middle-income country.
Achieving this goal, she believes, will depend on teamwork, with leaders setting aside differences of opinion and working together to drive socioeconomic transformation.
“A large proportion of households in Uganda, 39 percent, are still subsistence productive, which makes it very difficult for Uganda to reach middle-income status. So as a leader, what are you doing? You need to change the mindset of these people so that they Enter the money economy,” Babaranda stressed.
She therefore stressed that the government is actively promoting the Parish Development Model (PDM) and the Emyoga poverty alleviation program to integrate as many Ugandans as possible into the formal economy.
To achieve this, the minister revealed that the government has allocated a total of Ush. 1.059 Trillion for the PDM Revolving Fund with additional allocations for this fiscal year. $1.1 trillion has been earmarked for PDM initiatives.
She also pointed to other obstacles preventing Uganda from moving towards middle-income status. These challenges include the high cost of doing business, which undermines Uganda’s competitiveness in global markets, difficulties in acquiring land for various national development projects, and the detrimental impact of corruption on the country’s pursuit of socio-economic progress.
The brigadier general addressed the participants. General Charles Kisembo, Director of NALI, emphasized the importance of the correct ideological orientation of local government leaders as the fundamental pillar driving socio-economic transformation.
He stressed the importance of these leaders thoroughly understanding the values and principles outlined in the National Revolutionary Movement Manifesto, which is the guiding force behind the party’s policies, decisions and actions.
By mastering this basic knowledge, these leaders can effectively pass it on to the people they serve, he said.
“As leaders, we need to have a solid ideological foundation in our country, ensuring national cohesion – an emotion that is critical to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation. Use the knowledge you gain here to serve those you lead Make a positive difference in your life,” he said.
Mr. Ben Kumumanya, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, shared insights with the media at the conclusion of the event, emphasizing the importance of the retreat.
He commented: “These meetings are valuable because they bring together all the leaders appointed by the President, those elected by local government ministers, and elected leaders under one roof. This gathering allowed them to reaffirm their roles and accountability, and enhanced capacity to effectively implement the NRM Declaration.”
The retreat attracted leaders representing 27 local governments in the central region. Attendees included Resident City Commissioners (RCCs), Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), LC5 Chairs, Chief Administrative Officers, Town Clerks for Cities and Municipalities, NRM District Chairs, Mayors, Wealth Creation Action ( OWC), a presidential advisor in the central region, a member of the RDC Secretariat, etc.
The main objective of the retreat is in line with the importance of Kampala and the contribution of the central region to Uganda’s progress. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) 2022 figures, the central region accounts for 27% of the country’s total population.
Furthermore, it covers 54% of the total population of the city, showing a significant growth of the city. In addition, the region holds great economic prospects as an important industrial center with numerous industrial, commercial, agricultural and fishing activities.
Have a story or opinion from your community to share with us: please email editorial@watchdoguganda.com
