President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged young Ugandans to focus on productive sectors at home, noting that many seeking work abroad do not fully understand how jobs and wealth are created.
Speaking on Sunday during the Jazz with Jajja dialogue with Bazukulu at State Lodge, Nakasero, the President responded to a question on youth labour migration raised by content creator Osman Kaweesa, popularly known as Jobless Billionaire.
“Jobs and wealth will mainly come from four sectors: commercial agriculture, manufacturing and artisanship, services, and ICT,” President Museveni said, reiterating the Four-Acre Model as a practical pathway for household income and employment.
He also highlighted the importance of Presidential skilling hubs and ongoing education curriculum reforms, stressing that Africa’s greatest challenge is mindset rather than resources.
“We export coffee at about $2.5 per kilo, but after value addition, it can earn $40,” he said. “Coffee is a $460 billion global business, yet Africa earns very little because we export raw materials. That is the mindset change we are struggling with.”
“The shirt I’m putting on is made from Ugandan cotton, whereas in the past it would have been imported. Africa’s lack of value addition is driving the current crisis.”
When asked what motivates him personally, President Museveni said: “I love myself as a Muhororo of the Cow Clan, as a Munyankole, as a Ugandan, and as an African. The world is not kind. If you are weak, you can disappear, and I don’t want my fellow Africans to disappear. That is why I have always worked to ensure Africans remain strong, independent, and never return to slavery.”
Closing the session, First Daughter Mrs Natasha Museveni Karugire thanked the President for creating space for dialogue and assured participants that such engagements would continue.
“There shall be more interactions like this. Thank you, Your Excellency, for allowing us to have this conversation,” she said.
