President Yoweri Museveni has sounded a strong warning to all those that are involved in soliciting bribes and other tendencies of corruption, especially from foreign investors that they will be crushed and be dealt with decisively.
“We are very ready to fight and crush corruption. If they disturb you, find a way of mentioning it to your Ambassador. He or she will whisper it to me and you will soon see the casualties,” he said.
The President was speaking during the launching of a book that is titled ‘Uganda’s March to Industrialization 1986 – 2040’ that has been authored by Minister in Charge of General Duties in Office of Prime Minister, Hon. Mary Karooro Okurut.
The ceremony took place at State House, Entebbe. The book highlights Uganda’s journey to industrialization and infrastructure as the key areas of development.
President Museveni reiterated that once the country deals with and eliminates corruption, the remaining tasks will be the introduction of irrigation to stabilize agriculture and increasing the remuneration of scientists to boost health and research in the country. He was happy that Uganda has been able to realize growth amidst such elements as cost pushers in business, in transport, electricity, high bank interest rates, among others. He noted that as some of these elements have been addressed, the national economy will grow much faster than before.
If the costs are high, you will not make profits. Our economy is able to be competitive if you minimize costs,” he said.
The President thanked Hon. Karooro Okurut for capturing the facts of the NRM as well as the remarkable story of the recovery of Uganda as far as industrialization is concerned.
Premier Ruhakana Rugunda thanked the President for his able leadership that has propelled the country forward. He also lauded Minister Karooro Okurut for the achievement adding that she is an effective Minister and a grassroot mobilizer.
Minister Karooro Okurut lauded the President for his transformational leadership that has seen the country move in the right direction. She said she wrote the book because industrialization is part of Uganda’s success story that means job creation for the youthful population.
Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Minister, Hon. Amelia Kyambadde praised the President and Government on industrial prioritization with a view to job creation, especially for the youthful population.