Politics 21 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Museveni urges Gen Z to embrace commercial production, not be spectators
President Yoweri Museveni, through Vice President Jessica Alupo, encouraged Uganda's youth to actively participate in commercial production and regional markets, rather than remaining passive observers in the nation's economic development. The call came during Gen Z's celebration of the President's 82nd birthday. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/embrace-commercial-production-reject-spectator-role-museveni-tells-gen-z-at-82nd-birthday-fete-5603444
President Yoweri Museveni has called upon Uganda’s youth, particularly Generation Z, to move beyond a spectator role and actively engage in commercial production and value addition. Speaking at an event organized by Gen Z to celebrate his 82nd birthday, President Museveni emphasized the importance of utilizing the vast African continental market, which comprises 1.3 billion people, to absorb the country’s excess products.
Delivering the President’s message via Vice President Jessica Alupo at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, it was highlighted that Uganda’s stability and governance have paved the way for socio-economic progress and a move towards a middle-income economy. The youth were urged to reject marginalization and seize opportunities presented by regional markets. The President specifically pointed out that approximately 33 percent of Ugandan households are still outside the commercial market, warning against idleness in the wealth creation process.
Key sectors identified for job creation and economic growth include commercial agriculture, industry, services, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The administration also stressed the need for value addition and industrialization to create sustainable employment for the youth. Vice President Alupo further encouraged the youth to leverage platforms like the East African Community (EAC) to process raw materials locally, moving away from exporting unprocessed goods.
Ministers present reinforced the government’s commitment to integrating youth into the economy through funding programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga. They also acknowledged existing challenges such as high unemployment and ideological disorientation among the youth but presented these programs as practical solutions. The youth, in turn, pledged patriotism and commitment to wealth creation, with some entrepreneurs showcasing their value-added products during the birthday celebrations.