President Museveni Demands Smarter Infrastructure Planning As Uganda Marks Labour Day

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) joined the nation in marking International Labour Day at Nakale Playgrounds in Nakapiripirit District.

The celebrations, held under the theme “Consolidating the Gains of the Parish Development Model (PDM) for Increased Productivity and Inclusive Job Creation,” saw President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni commend Uganda’s progress in job creation while calling for smarter infrastructure planning.

President Museveni praised the Parish Development Model for lifting rural incomes, citing examples of Ugandans earning well from small-scale farming. “Uganda now has more jobs in the private sector than in government,” he said. “With proper land use and value addition, we can create millions of jobs. Wealth creation is the foundation because wealth brings employment.”

However, he criticised the Ministry of Works for neglecting road maintenance in favour of new projects. “This must stop. We need balanced infrastructure planning,” he insisted.

The President also urged support for Pan-Africanism, arguing that expanded regional markets are vital for economic growth. He dismissed media scepticism, stating, “The real discussion should be about growing markets and transforming our economy.”

On labour reforms, he pledged to review minimum wage policies and crack down on exploitative recruitment agencies. He also condemned cattle rustling in Karamoja, warning it undermines stability.

Gender Minister Betty Amongi revealed that 56.7% of Uganda’s 25.155 million working-age population are employed, though over 70% remain in informal work. “Young people under 30 make up 73% of our workforce,” she said, adding that efforts are underway to formalise jobs through skills training and industrialisation.

She announced plans to deploy more labour attachés to the Middle East to protect migrant workers and hailed the PDM for reducing subsistence living from 39% to 33%.

Trade union leader John Oketcho praised the President for prioritising workers’ rights, while the International Labour Organisation (ILO) commended Uganda’s refugee employment policies.

The event concluded with the launch of Uganda’s Third Generation Decent Work Country Programme and medals awarded to 61 individuals for outstanding service.

Among attendees were Deputy Prime Minister Rukia Nakadama, Cabinet ministers, MPs, UPDF officials, diplomats, and local leaders.