President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has strongly defended Uganda’s industrialisation agenda, dismissing criticism from journalist Andrew Mwenda and reaffirming his government’s commitment to value addition, economic transformation, and job creation.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday, Museveni responded to Mwenda’s recent remarks, insisting that Uganda’s economic progress is rooted in industrialisation and local manufacturing rather than the export of raw materials.
President Museveni highlighted several Ugandan innovators and entrepreneurs whom he said have contributed to the country’s transformation, urging critics to visit factories and projects across the country to witness the impact firsthand.
He cited investments in manufacturing, herbal medicine, banana processing, and vehicle production as examples of Uganda’s growing industrial base.
President Museveni particularly defended Uganda’s value-addition policies, saying the country has made significant gains by promoting local processing of minerals and agricultural products.
He pointed to the growth in gold refining, coffee production, dairy farming, and agro-processing, arguing that industrialisation has boosted exports and increased national revenue.
According to the President, Uganda’s coffee sector has grown from three million bags to 8.8 million bags, generating billions in export earnings, while gold exports have significantly increased following policies encouraging local refining.
Museveni also praised government wealth-creation initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), saying the programs are helping smallholder farmers and communities improve household incomes where effectively implemented.
President Museveni accused critics of undermining Uganda’s economic transformation efforts and maintained that his government remains focused on achieving import substitution, export promotion, and sustainable industrial growth.
Drawing from his experience as a freedom fighter, Museveni said resilience and persistence remain key to national progress, emphasizing that setbacks should serve as lessons rather than reasons to abandon development goals.
He called on Ugandans to remain focused on patriotism and economic transformation, expressing confidence that the country will continue advancing despite criticism and challenges.
