President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Thursday hosted 33 Spanish student volunteers at State House in Entebbe, following the completion of their community outreach mission in Gomba District.
The students, on their fourth annual volunteering mission to Uganda, spent several weeks supporting vulnerable communities through initiatives that included constructing school facilities, improving access to clean water and visiting households in need. The outreach program has been supported by Museveni and the first lady, Janet Museveni.
Addressing the volunteers, President Museveni reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming Uganda from a pre-capitalist society into a modern money economy, where citizens produce not only for household consumption but also for commercial markets.
“The Government is working around the clock to transform Uganda from a pre-capitalist society to a money economy where people produce not only for the stomach but also for sale so that they earn money. As more people join the money economy, the country’s tax base will also increase,” President Museveni said.
He noted that Gomba District is steadily producing more commercial farmers, describing the trend as evidence that the government’s wealth creation programmes are yielding positive results.
Responding to a question on how Uganda has maintained stability despite conflicts in some neighbouring countries, President Museveni attributed the country’s peace to its guiding ideology of prioritising shared national interests over identity politics.
“We prioritise the politics of interest over the politics of identity. Patriotism means loving Uganda because you need it for your own prosperity. Pan-Africanism means loving Africa because our internal market alone is not enough for our development,” he said.
The President added that the same ideology has enabled Uganda to build strong national institutions, including a professional and inclusive security force.
“When we recruit into the army or the police, we do not ask about anybody’s tribe. What matters is whether you are a good soldier. Unity of Uganda and unity of Africa are our guiding principles,” he said.
Asked what advice he would offer young people, President Museveni urged them to embrace discipline, build stable families, avoid destructive behaviours, and maintain faith in God.
“As young people, avoid alcoholism, avoid womanising, get a family, be disciplined, and if you believe in God, it is an added advantage,” he advised.
The Director of Kelim Foundation, Dr. Harris Kirumira Kalule, whose organisation coordinates the programme locally, thanked President Museveni and the First Lady for their continued support to the volunteers throughout their stay in Gomba District.
He said the students had made a meaningful contribution to community development through projects aimed at improving education, water access, and the welfare of vulnerable households.
Speaking on behalf of the volunteers, Lady Carmen Sillero expressed gratitude to President Museveni for hosting the delegation and for the government’s support, particularly in providing transportation and security during their stay.
She said the assistance enabled the volunteers to reach schools and communities where they successfully carried out their outreach activities and expressed optimism that the partnership between the Spanish volunteers and Uganda would continue to grow in the years ahead.
