Since the overthrowing of Idi Amin in 1979 and after some interim governments for short periods President Museveni and his army took control in 1986, Uganda has come a long way in its progress in all fields.
From the bloody times of Amin when his army killed over a million Ugandans, there has largely been peace under Museveni. This says a lot about the Museveni government. It may be tough in many ways and at times may even look dictatorial, but the people of Uganda have been rewarded with peace and descent economic growth. In recent times the economic growth has been around 6.5% which makes it amongst the 20 fastest growing economies of the world.
Uganda has great potential with its very fertile land, regular rainfall and mineral deposits. It has also fast become a landlocked trading hub for all nearby land locked countries like Rwanda, Burundi, Sudan and Congo. Whilst Uganda population is around 45m, its consumer market size is around 150m. The country has established trading houses, expanding manufacturing companies and increasing talented people. Uganda is the only country in East Africa that manufactures generic medicines.
You will often find Ugandans serving as middle managers in hotels and businesses of nearby countries. The service sector is fast growing at 7.6%.
Agriculture still represents over 70% of the economy. However, if this sector could become organised it would be a catalyst for tremendous economic growth to the country. You only need to taste Uganda’s avocados, pineapples and cassava to realise the special flavours and quality of the produce. Current growth levels are sluggish at around 3.8%
The country has still a long way to progress as by world standards it remains poor. The unemployment rate stands at 2.4%. With more that 75% of the population below the age of 30, Uganda is one of the youngest countries in the world. There lies a great potential to utilise its human resource as unemployment amongst the youths is much higher. I know that Ugandans are well known for educational development when you compare to other African Countries. Even now there are Ugandan schools and Universities attracting students from other African countries.
Quite frankly when you discount the years of Amin, this country has progressed well in a wide spectrum of areas.
Generally, Uganda is very safe. It legal system is very balanced under its adopted English system. Recent legal cases of billionaires like Sudhir Ruparelia show that being Asian in Uganda will still give you a fair legal hearing.
Today's Uganda respects people from all the societies. It has welcomed the Asians who continue to prosper. At the same time indigenous Ugandans and Asians continue to prosper and economically progress. There is no more economic dominance by Asians as it used to be. This is a good thing. The Asians have also been much more active in philanthropy and community support making their fair contribution to the country. Proportionately, Asians are the biggest taxpayers in the country.
It is really refreshing to see Uganda making good strides.
(The columnist is the Former Chairman of London Chamber of Commerce, Chairman Founder, Charity Clarity and Commissioner, Dept of International Development)
