President Yoweri Museveni has applauded the role the Construction Sector plays in Uganda’s Infrastural Development. His messsage was delivered by H.E Maj Jessica Alupo Epel (Rtd) the Vice President of Uganda at Kololo Ceremonial grounds on 14th December 2023 where she was representing the President as the Chief Guest at a function
According to the President’s speech read by the Vice President, the construction industry is the backbone of our nation’s development. It breathes life into our infrastructure, fuels economic growth, and provides livelihoods to countless individuals and families across our nation. It is a sector that has consistently contributed significantly to our Gross Domestic Product (GDP), accounting for 12% of our economic prosperity
Additionally the President stated that the NRM government commitment to infrastructure development is unwavering. He noted that Government continues to allocate a substantial budget for infrastructure projects, reaffirming NRM priority to enhance Uganda’s infrastructure—a foundation for economic growth and prosperity.
“It is our strategy and promise to continue making STEADY PROGRESS in taking Uganda to modernity through Job Creation and Inclusive Development, which is our effort as enshrined in the NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME of VISION 2040.” – Said Museveni in his speech.
According to Alupo the Government’s goal has been to transform Uganda from a predominantly peasant and low income country to a competitive upper middle income status country, under the theme of, “ACCELERATING UGANDA’S SOCIOECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION”
The model NRM has adopted is to track quality of life of Uganda’s people by focusing the indicators on five key categories:
1.Education,
2.Health,
3.Environmental Quality & Recreation,
4.Social & Cultural Amenities,
5.Information & Transportation Access.
All these categories have infrastructure, construction, manufacturing and supplies as the underpinning disciplines and services. “This is why I have put emphasis on the enhanced training of our scientists in our schools.” – said Museveni
Furthermore, the President’s immediate focus has been to provide more energy to power our industries, light-up Citizens homes and streets and to improve transport infrastructure development. And that when we does that, Uganda shall have ready requirements, ease the movement of persons, goods and services. This is why government has embarked on construction projects all over the country including; schools, hospitals, roads, rails, airports and housing projects and designated areas for industrial parks.
“Government continues to invite investors for various construction projects through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). I believe that collaboration between the government, the private sector and all the industry’s stakeholders is very important for Uganda to attain its development goals.”-Said the President
The President was happy to note that we are now manufacturing most of the building materials locally, which is providing employment for our young people. Museveni encourage all infrastructure projects funded by public resources, to use locally produced goods so as to create more job opportunities.
Finally, Museveni congratulated Uganda National Association of Builders, Suppliers and Engineering Contractors (UNABSEC) for the 30 years’ contribution in shaping the Uganda’s construction sector as the private sector, which government has greatly benefited from.
The Association was rebranded from Uganda Construction and Infrastructure Forum to Uganda National Association of Builders, Suppliers and Engineering Contractors (UNABSEC). The President noted that expanding the association to include all construction contracting stakeholders can enhance inclusivity, better reflect the diverse membership, and signify a broader commitment to collaboration and community involvement. This change may foster a more comprehensive representation of the organization’s purpose and values and shape the future of Uganda’s construction and infrastructure.