Job Namanya
KYANKWANZI- The Vice President of Uganda, Maj(Rtd) Jessica Alupo, has outlined key government priorities for the next term, emphasizing wealth creation, industrialization, and improved service delivery as critical drivers of national transformation.
Speaking during a press interview at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi during the National Resistance Movement (NRM) retreat, Alupo said the government is focused on building a more inclusive and productive economy.
“I have listened in to all the presentations made from day one, and His Excellency the President made clear highlights on the priorities that government is going to focus on in the next term,” she said.
Alupo highlighted commercial agriculture and value addition as top priorities, noting that Uganda must shift from exporting raw materials to processed goods.
“One of them is enhancing commercial agriculture and value addition in order to export processed goods and stop the export of raw materials,” she explained. She added that industrialization will play a central role in this transition by creating jobs and strengthening the country’s economic base.
“Industrialization means creating jobs for the youth and also creating wealth and a base for our raw materials,” she noted.
On economic inclusion, the Vice President emphasized the need to bring more Ugandans into the money economy, pointing out that a significant portion of households remain excluded. “We must monetize the whole economy, bringing all the 33 percent households who are outside the money economy into the money economy through government programs like Emyooga, PDM and others,” she said.
According to Alupo, these initiatives are key to improving livelihoods and ensuring that development reaches all parts of the country.
She also underscored the importance of investing in strategic infrastructure to support economic growth.
“Developing strategic infrastructure, including the Standard Gauge Railway and more roads, will lower the cost of doing business,” she said.
At the same time, she stressed the need to tackle corruption to sustain public trust.
“We must fight corruption to have all the people of Uganda continue trusting the NRM,” she added, while also calling for efficient service delivery in sectors such as health and education.
Reflecting on the Kyankwanzi retreat, Alupo expressed confidence in the preparedness of Members of Parliament, especially the newly elected legislators.
“I am very confident that the Members of Parliament, especially the new ones, have now acclimatized themselves with the level of debate that they are expected to discharge,” she said. She commended the discipline exhibited during the sessions, noting that it signals a more productive 12th Parliament.
“Because of the discipline exhibited here, attending all sessions and asking for clarifications, I have very high hopes that the 12th Parliament will be of high quality,” she added.
The Vice President also called on Ugandans to safeguard the country’s achievements since 1986, particularly peace and security.
“All the people of Uganda should protect the peace and security that we have now so that we can use that peace as an investment climate,” she said. She noted that gains in sectors such as roads, health, and education must be preserved to sustain development momentum.
Addressing newly elected legislators directly, Alupo urged them to exercise discipline and prudence in their new roles.
“They should live within their means. They are now VIPs and they should control their expectations,” she advised.
She further cautioned against financial mismanagement, saying, “They should also exercise financial discipline and avoid unnecessary borrowing which may lead them into debts which are not sustainable.”
She also encouraged them to remain connected to their constituents, adding, “They should continue working with the population the way they have been working before they became Members of Parliament.”
Alupo emphasized the importance of mentorship in leadership development, describing it as a continuous process rather than a one-time activity.
“Mentorship is not an activity, it is a process. I encourage them to continue looking out for mentorship,” she said, calling on senior members of the NRM to guide younger legislators.
She concluded by appreciating President Yoweri Museveni for organizing the retreat, which she said provided an opportunity for leaders to interact and prepare for their roles.
“I thank His Excellency the President for the opportunity to give all of us a one-week retreat to interact and know each other before we are officially sworn in,” Alupo said, expressing optimism about the country’s leadership and development trajectory.