By: Blessing Jean

LUWERO

The State Minister for the Luwero Triangle and Rwenzori Region, Hon. Alice Kaboyo, officially launched the Musevenomics Town Hall Meeting in Luwero District, bringing together over 250 leaders from Government, the private sector, and civil society to discuss Uganda’s economic priorities. She was accompanied by the Operation Wealth Creation team and local leaders at various levels. Held under the theme “Sustaining #Musevenomics: Navigating Uganda’s Economic Future in a Disrupted World,” the meeting focused on wealth creation, macroeconomic stability, structural transformation, and the implementation of the National Development Plan IV (NDP IV) to promote inclusive development.

State Minister for Luwero Rwenzori, Hon. Alice Kaboyo (centre with microhone) launching ‘Musevenomics’ in Luwero

In her keynote address, Kaboyo urged the people of Luwero to fully embrace the principles of Musevenomics, emphasizing that adherence to these policies is essential for translating strategy into tangible prosperity, resilience, and shared progress. She explained that Musevenomics, championed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, was anchored on four pillars: awakening peasants into the money economy, promoting value addition, reducing the cost of doing business, and driving regional integration. According to Kaboyo, these pillars provide practical guidance tailored to Uganda’s unique economic context and are designed to support long-term transformation.

The Minister highlighted programs such as the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, and the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP) as being central to shifting households from subsistence farming to commercial production. She also underscored the importance of value addition through agro-processing and industrial parks to increase incomes and strengthen Uganda’s competitiveness in regional and global markets. On the cost of doing business, Kaboyo pointed to investments in infrastructure, ICT, energy generation, tax reforms, and anti-corruption measures. She further stressed that regional integration, particularly within the East African Community, was key to securing markets and sustaining economic growth.

Hon. Alice Kaboyo (right) engaging the Proprietors of Luwero Sugar Factories during the inspection of the Luwero Sugar Factories

While noting progress in macroeconomic stability, infrastructure development, and inclusive programs, she acknowledged ongoing challenges, including policy inconsistencies and elite capture, and encouraged citizens to engage constructively to ensure equitable growth.

During the event, Kaboyo announced that the construction of Luwero District Headquarters was expected to be completed before the end of this term. She also revealed that the Ministry has secured funds in the 2025/2026 Financial Year to compensate veterans registered under the Akasiimo program, with payments scheduled to begin in September. She explained that the Akasiimo funds are a one-off gratuity recognizing civilian veterans who contributed to Uganda’s liberation struggle from 1981 to 1986.

Kaboyo affirmed, “My office is committed to ensuring that all allocated funds for Akasiimo are paid to the rightful beneficiaries. This is not just a matter of financial compensation but a gesture of gratitude for their contributions. Akasiimo is not commensurate to one’s contribution but rather a ‘thank you’ in recognition of one’s service. I therefore wish to thank His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda, who in his wisdom established the Akasiimo Programme in 2008.”

Hon. Alice Kaboyo (centre) during the inspection of Luwero Sugar Factory

The Executive Director of the Uganda Development Forum, Dr. Edward Katende, noted that the gathering aimed to empower households to actively participate in economic transformation aligned with national development objectives. He stressed that equipping communities with knowledge and practical tools was essential for sustaining inclusive development and ensuring that progress reaches all households.

Residents also raised concerns during the visit. Ronald Walakira, from Busiika Town Council, questioned the distribution of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds, suggesting that the current process disproportionately benefits a few individuals. He called on the Ministry to review and clarify the distribution mechanism to ensure fairness and inclusivity for all eligible households.

After the Town Hall meeting, Minister Alice Kaboyo toured Victoria Sugar Factory in Luwero, praising its role in creating jobs and boosting regional development. She said industrial ventures like the factory are vital for tackling unemployment and promoting sustainable livelihoods.

Luwero District Chief Administrative Officer giving his remarks during the launch of ‘Musevenomics’ in Luwero

Kaboyo noted the factory’s growth since 2022, when it employed about 700 people. It now provides thousands of jobs and has expanded into large-scale sugarcane production. She pledged government support for industrial investments in the greater Luwero–Rwenzori region, saying they empower communities and align with President Museveni’s development vision.

The Human Resource Manager Esther Ayoko said the factory had contributed to local infrastructure, school construction, and water provision. She dismissed claims of environmental pollution, calling them a result of competition in the sugar industry, and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to responsible operations.

END