President Yoweri Museveni has assured Ugandans not to be worried of anything as the country is taking off and no one can stop it. The president was speaking during the 56th Independence Day celebrations at Kasasa, Kyotera district on Tuesday.
The day was commemorated under the theme; “Standing tall as we celebrate achievements of our 56 years of independence” In his speech, the president mentioned a number of achievements the NRM government has enjoyed and more that it plans on achieving in the coming years. He based on the economy, which he says will grow by 5.8% per annum this financial year, and rise to over 7% per annum by the financial year 2019/2020.
“I wish to inform you that Uganda is unstoppable, given what we have already done with education, health, infrastructure, electricity, agriculture, innovation, security and other elements already mentioned” the President said.
Mr. Museveni told the nation that investments in the roads and electricity, along with strengthening the Army, are beginning to result in the resumption of the usual high growth rates.
“When we say that the economy is growing reasonably well, we mean that the four sectors are growing well. Indeed, industry grew at 6.2% per annum, services at 7.3%, ICT at 7.9% and agriculture at 3.2%. It is only agriculture that is still growing slowly. Infrastructure still remains a priority of the NRM government and we are progressing well.
For example, the budget for the roads was raised from Shs 398 billion in FY 2005/06 to Shs. 4.786 trillion in FY 2017/18. As a consequence, we now have tarmac roads to almost all the corners of Uganda” he added.
The president says government will this financial year work on developing irrigation projects of; Doho phase II in Butalejja District; Mubuku phase II in Kasese District; Wadelai in Nebbi District; Tochi in Oyam District; Ngenge in Oyam District; Atari (Bulambuli and Kween); Katete in Kanungu District; Kawumu in Luwero District; Amagoro (Tororo District); Nabigaga (Kamuli District); Rwimi (Kasese and Kabarole District); Nyimur (Lamwo); Musamya (Kayunga); Kabuyanda (Isingiro); Matanda (Isingiro); and Igogero-Naigombwa (Iganga and Bugiri).
He argues that increased usage of irrigation will put Ugandans in a better position to produce more food for both domestic and export needs.