The Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Sanjay Tanna, has urged Ugandans, particularly residents of the Elgon sub-region, to safeguard peace and stability, saying they are key drivers of economic growth, investment, and the achievement of Uganda’s long-term development goals.
Speaking during a thanksgiving ceremony held at Mbale Secondary School Grounds in Mbale City, Tanna said Uganda’s Vision 2040 aspirations can only be realised in an environment where peace, security, and stability are guaranteed.
He noted that periods of political instability in the 1970s and early 1980s negatively affected Uganda’s economy but said the return of peace has enabled the country to attract investments, expand trade, and develop key sectors.
“In 1986, when President Museveni took over, there was no sugar. The milk used to come from Denmark and Holland, there was no salt. Where we are today, Uganda is a net exporter of sugar and milk,” Tanna said.
The minister said maintaining peace remains critical for creating jobs, supporting industries, increasing production, and improving household incomes.
The ceremony brought together political, cultural, and business leaders from across the Elgon sub-region, who highlighted opportunities for economic transformation through tourism, mining, and cooperative development.
The Umukuka wa Bamasaba, Jude Mike Mudoma, called on the government to increase investment in tourism and revive cooperative societies, saying the sectors have the potential to improve livelihoods and create employment opportunities for young people.
“Under your guidance, we expect tourism to be integrated into mainstream trade, creating thousands of jobs for our youth. We also anticipate a vibrant revival of our cooperative movement, which is the backbone of our historical economic strength,” Mudoma said.
In response, Tanna pledged to work with the Ministry of Tourism to promote the Elgon sub-region as a major tourism destination while preserving and promoting its cultural heritage.
“We are going to cooperate with the Ministry of Tourism. Bugisu is very beautiful and Sebei is very beautiful. I want to encourage the Umukuka and his team to ensure that cultural tourism is included in this agenda,” he said.
Sironko District Woman Member of Parliament Asha Mafabi Nabulo described the Elgon sub-region as a strategic commercial corridor, saying increased investment would strengthen trade and unlock economic opportunities.
“Bugisu is strategically positioned, especially Mbale. Most of the country’s imports and exports pass through this area,” Nabulo said.
Mbale City Mayor Joyce Nandudu Kidudu also called for increased government investment in tourism infrastructure, citing the region’s natural attractions, including Wanale Ridge and other conservation sites.
She said improved infrastructure would help unlock the tourism potential of the region and contribute to local economic development.
Meanwhile, Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Secretary General Fadil Twaha warned that corruption remains a major threat to Uganda’s development, urging citizens and leaders to work together in fighting the vice.
“The only way we are going to protect Uganda is by getting rid of corruption. Corruption is a threat to Uganda’s development and requires collective responsibility,” Twaha said.
Leaders at the event expressed optimism that increased investment in trade, tourism, infrastructure, and cooperative development would stimulate business growth, create jobs, and improve household incomes across the Elgon sub-region.