Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has outlined a series of human capital development strategies aimed at improving employment and productivity among Ugandans.
Speaking during the International Labour Day celebrations on May 1st 2026 held at Matale in Buikwe District, the President emphasized optimal land utilization for commercial agriculture as a key driver of job creation.
Museveni noted that commercial agriculture has the potential to generate massive employment opportunities if Ugandans fully utilize available land.
According to the President, if Ugandans effectively utilize just 7 million acres out of the country’s estimated 40 million acres of available land, the agricultural sector alone could generate over 100 million jobs.
Financing and Wealth Creation
Museveni urged Ugandans to take advantage of government financing initiatives to grow their businesses.
He revealed that funding under the Parish Development Model will increase from 100 million to 200 million shillings per parish in the next financial year.
He further encouraged entrepreneurs to access low-interest loans from the Uganda Development Bank to expand their enterprises.
Industrial Parks and Workers’ Welfare
The President also directed reforms in the management of industrial parks to address accommodation challenges faced by workers.
This followed concerns raised by Musa Okello, Chairperson of the National Organisation of Trade Unions, who highlighted the burden on workers traveling long distances daily.
Museveni pledged to support policies that allow investors or the National Housing and Construction Company to construct affordable housing for factory workers.
Education and Skills Development
On education, the President directed the Ministry of Education and Sports to strengthen career guidance in schools, focusing on marketable and competitive courses.
He also advised unemployed graduates, particularly those with less marketable degrees, to retool and acquire skills aligned with current labor market demands.
Government Commitment to Employment Growth
The Vice President, Jessica Alupo, noted that Uganda’s employment sector is steadily improving due to industrialization, peace, and supportive government policies.
Meanwhile, Betty Amongi highlighted ongoing interventions, including capital support programs, vocational training, and social protection initiatives.
Amongi also commended the President for assenting to the Employment Amendment Bill 2025, which seeks to regulate and improve standards within the employment sector.
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