Uganda Shifts Focus from Political Promises to Productivity in Fight Against Poverty
KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) – For generations, Ugandans have placed their hopes for economic advancement on the promises of politicians, anticipating that government programs and funds would deliver them from poverty. But a growing chorus of voices is now arguing that lasting change will only come through a fundamental shift in mindset – from dependence on handouts to a focus on individual and collective productivity.
The cycle of hope and disappointment surrounding election seasons is well-worn in Uganda. Rallies are filled with pledges of jobs, wealth, and transformation, yet these promises often fade after the votes are cast, leaving poverty stubbornly entrenched.
“Politics does not create wealth. Productivity does,” a recent commentary in Watchdog Uganda asserted, reflecting a burgeoning national conversation. The piece argues that while government has a role to play in creating a supportive environment – providing roads, electricity, stable policies, and access to finance – it cannot directly manufacture prosperity.
Uganda’s government has indeed launched numerous initiatives aimed at wealth creation, including the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and various funds targeting youth and women entrepreneurs. Billions of shillings have been disbursed, intended to stimulate enterprise at the grassroots level. However, experts warn that capital alone is insufficient.
“Capital without capability is fragile,” the Watchdog Uganda article explains. Funds can easily be consumed rather than invested, divided inefficiently, or mismanaged due to a lack of financial literacy and business discipline.
The core issue, according to this emerging perspective, is not simply a lack of money, but a shortage of skills, discipline, and a proactive mindset. A nation progresses, the argument goes, when its citizens produce more value than they consume – a process requiring practical skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, and a willingness to embrace continuous learning.
This call for a shift in national thinking – from entitlement to enterprise – is gaining traction. Instead of asking what the government will provide, the focus should be on identifying opportunities to create value. Instead of waiting for political change, individuals should invest in self-improvement through education, skills development, and entrepreneurial endeavors.
Uganda possesses significant potential. Its agricultural sector could feed the region with modernization, its young population could drive a digital economy with proper training, and its strategic location could establish it as a trade hub with competitive industries. But realizing these possibilities requires more than political will; it demands a skilled and productive workforce.
Government programs like PDM and Emyooga are viewed as potential catalysts, not permanent safety nets. Success hinges on beneficiaries approaching these initiatives with well-defined business plans, financial literacy, and a commitment to accountability. Strengthening mentorship networks and prioritizing practical competence over mere certification in schools and vocational institutions are also crucial.
Escaping the poverty trap is not a short-term political project, but a long-term commitment to generational discipline. History demonstrates that nations thrive when their citizens become creators, not dependents – when farmers adopt better techniques, youth master trades, and businesses reinvest profits.
Ultimately, the future of Uganda will be determined not by campaign rallies, but by the daily work of skilled and productive citizens. A “productivity revolution,” as one commentator put it, is needed to build a future where poverty no longer has a foothold.