General Salim Saleh the co-ordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) has called for concerted effort to increase government communication about the programs and projects that have been set up to create jobs and wealth for Ugandans especially the youth .
He expressed concern about the disconnect between the NRM government and party to connect with the ordinary people especially the youth to guide them on the many available opportunities for jobs and wealth creation .
The four star general noted that government institutions have failed to articulate government programs to help the masses take up the available opportunities to economically emancipate themselves. “ The masses ,especially the youth are frustrated and angry because the people in government have not explained the National Development Program(NDPIII) which has laid out 18 key important programs for jobs and wealth creation,” A tough talking Saleh stated .
Gen Saleh also regrated to note that government has not set aside sufficient funds to invest in communication and public awareness campaigns about government achievements and the interventions that have been rolled to help the youth to become gainfully employed .
The bush war hero made the remarks on four hour long Capital Gang talk show he hosted at Lumumba Square in the 4th Division army barracks in Gulu City . The barracks is known for many milestones including the restoration of Kingdoms in Uganda in the early 90s.
Saleh also used the occasion to dismiss what he called ,”conspiracy theories “ that the Kaguta family owns all Uganda’s assets including land and promised to set up a movement to establish who owns what in Uganda.
He urged government officials to explain to the people in detail the objectives and key programs under the NDPIII because it is the key national blue print -that outlines how Uganda will be transformed from a peasant to a modern and prosperous country within 30 years.
The Plan has identified eighteen (18) programs that have been designed to deliver the required results and address the 13 bottlenecks that affect the people .
Among the programs Gen. Saleh listed include efforts to increase labour productivity in the agro-industrial value chain, creating jobs in agro-industry, and increasing the proportion of households that are food secure.
Mineral Development Programme: aims to increase mineral exploitation and value addition in selected resources for quality and gainful jobs in industrialization among others . The Chief of Defense Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), Gen. David Muhoozi said there was need to connect the peace dividend to available economic opportunities for the youth .
As we get ready to go to the polls in just three days… we salute HE Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for maintaining peace and stability. Hangara Mzee