Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Minister Sanjay Tanna has urged Ugandans, particularly residents of the Elgon sub-region, to preserve peace and stability, saying they are fundamental to economic growth, investment and the realization of Uganda's long-term development aspirations.
Speaking during a thanksgiving ceremony held at Mbale Secondary School Grounds in Mbale City, Tanna said the country's Vision 2040 agenda can only be achieved in an environment where peace and security are guaranteed.
He reminded residents that political instability during the 1970s and early 1980s severely undermined Uganda's economic progress, but noted that the restoration of peace had enabled the country to attract investment, expand trade and transform key sectors of the economy.
"In 1986, when President Museveni took over, there was no sugar. The milk used to come from Denmark and Holland, there was no salt. The salt that we used to eat was the one which you pound and give your cows nowadays. Where we are today, Uganda is a net exporter of sugar. Uganda is a net exporter of milk," Tanna said.
The minister said sustaining peace remains essential if Uganda is to continue creating jobs, strengthening industries and improving household incomes.
The thanksgiving ceremony attracted political, cultural and business leaders from across the Elgon sub-region, who used the occasion to highlight opportunities for accelerating economic transformation through tourism, mining and cooperative development.
Umukuka wa Bamasaba Jude Mike Mudoma appealed to the government to prioritize investment in tourism and revive cooperative societies, arguing that the sectors have the potential to significantly improve livelihoods across the region.
"Under your guidance, we expect tourism to be integrated into mainstream trade, creating thousands of jobs for our youth. Secondly, we anticipate a vibrant revival of our cooperative movement, which is the backbone of our historical economic strength," the cultural leader said.
Responding to the appeal, Tanna pledged to work closely with the Ministry of Tourism to position the Elgon sub-region as a major tourism destination while promoting the region's rich cultural heritage.
"We are going to cooperate with the Ministry of Tourism. Bugisu, of course, is very beautiful. Sebei is very beautiful. I want to encourage the Umukuka and his team to make sure that cultural tourism is included in this agenda," he said.
Sironko District Woman Member of Parliament Asha Mafabi Nabulo described the Elgon sub-region as one of Uganda's most strategic commercial corridors, saying improved investment would strengthen trade and unlock greater economic opportunities.
"Bugisu is strategically positioned, especially Mbale. Most of the country's imports and exports pass through this area, so we are happy that the minister is coming from home," Nabulo said.
Mbale City Mayor Joyce Nandudu Kidudu also called for increased government investment in tourism infrastructure, citing the region's abundant natural attractions.
She highlighted Wanale Ridge, neighbouring Sebei and the city's wildlife conservation facilities as key tourism assets whose potential could be fully realized through improved road infrastructure and related investments.
Meanwhile, Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Secretary General Fadil Twaha identified corruption as one of the greatest threats to Uganda's socio-economic transformation, urging both public officials and citizens to unite in combating the vice.
"The only way we are going to protect Uganda is by getting rid of corruption. Corruption is a threat to Uganda's development, and it requires collective responsibility and collective effort. Our entrepreneurs are hardworking people, but it is unfortunate when individuals in ministries divert public resources meant to serve the country," Twaha said.
Leaders from the Elgon sub-region expressed optimism that increased government investment in trade, tourism, infrastructure and cooperative development would stimulate business growth, create employment opportunities and improve household incomes across the region
