Covid-19 will not affect Uganda’s Museveni.

By; Jjunju Francis and Francis Lubega

05^th June 2020

President Yoweri Museveni has reiterated his stand that Uganda’s economy is not shaken despite the existence of the global pandemic, COVID-19.

In his 5^th state of the nation address to the 10^th parliament right from state house Entebbe via video conferencing Museveni said since the outbreak of Coronavirus in March 18, 2020, leading to lockdown and suspension of activities that support the economy it has rather remained strong.

He however says riding on the 10 point programs of the NRM government, three main points; building an independent economy through industrialization and commercial agriculture, Regional Cooperation and mixed economy have a higher ripple effect right now after working on other points the support a stable country.

He says Uganda cannot ride on Leisure and pleasure activities that are optional in ones daily life such as; tourism, theater going, entertainment, bars and night clubs, cosmetics and women beautifiers among others, that are parasitic, just drawing the country’s funds.

Museveni said Uganda’s agriculture and ICT sectors despite the existence of COVID-19 pandemic ravaging both people’s lives and the real economy, Apart from feeding citizens, these agricultural products have earned for Uganda at least $2.005 billion (49 per cent of total merchandise exports)

Just in the 75 days lockdown; coffee in March contributed to the country $45.87 billion, April $36.928million. Tea earning in March $5.15million, April$6.145million. Fish in March it earned $14.98million, April $6.831million. Maize earning in March$10.23million, April $6.256million.” among other statistics.

This therefore gave him a feeling that capitalising Uganda Development Bank with a Billion US Dollar will support small loans for boda boda operators, entertainment, saloon and other leisure and pleasure economy to undertake productive ventures.

Museveni cited scientists like Dr. Nambatya among others are supporting development of drugs among other needs within the health line to promote a productive human resource in the economy.

He also said corruption by some public servants is still a cancer but quoting from the bible, Museveni whoever is liable for causing financial loss and failing investment and environmental protection among other supportive areas to the prosperity of Uganda’s economy will be held accountable.

On the issues of helping Ugandans during the lockdown, Museveni said, they are to discuss a number of issue like postponing payment of pay as you earn from March up to September, deferring payment of interest rate on the loans from the commercial banks until September and payment of water and electricity bills for the months of March, April and May.