Amama Mbabazi Advises Muslim MPs on Prudent Oil Wealth Management and National Unity

Former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi has issued a strong caution to Muslim Members of Parliament and political leaders regarding Uganda’s imminent transition into an oil-producing nation. Speaking at a luncheon hosted by Prince Kassim Nakibinge at Kibuli courts, Mbabazi stressed the critical need for careful stewardship of petroleum resources to avoid hindering the country’s development.

With commercial oil production expected to commence soon, Mbabazi highlighted the significant opportunity and the inherent risks associated with managing such wealth. He drew parallels to the “resource curse” observed in other nations, where natural resource abundance has paradoxically led to corruption, inequality, and economic instability instead of broad-based progress.

“History will judge this generation of leaders not by how much oil Uganda extracts from the ground, but by how wisely the proceeds are invested in the future of our people,” Mbabazi stated, underscoring the long-term implications of current decisions.

Mbabazi outlined three core priorities for managing Uganda’s oil revenue. Firstly, he advocated for economic diversification and structural transformation, warning against over-reliance on oil, a finite resource. Investments should instead target sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, education, and technology.

Secondly, he emphasized fiscal discipline and the establishment of robust institutions to ensure transparency and accountability in managing the nation’s wealth. Mbabazi asserted that “resource wealth has little value if it is poorly managed.”

His third priority focused on eradicating subsistence poverty, ensuring that oil revenues translate into tangible improvements in the livelihoods of ordinary Ugandans. Success, he noted, should be measured by enhanced household incomes and quality of life, not just economic growth figures.

Furthermore, Mbabazi called for increased cooperation among all political leaders, stressing that national development requires a unified purpose that transcends party lines. He also urged Muslim legislators to uphold integrity and ethical leadership in public service.

The gathering included Muslim MPs, political figures, and religious leaders, all engaging in discussions about leadership, development, and national cohesion.