AIGP Tom Magambo Rwabudongo

Last night at State House Entebbe, I met European Ambassadors and investors. I was pleased to learn that European investors are increasingly investing in Uganda, particularly in hydropower and other infrastructure projects. I have always told our European friends that Africa is a huge market because of its rapidly growing population. This is an opportunity we must all take advantage of. On tax incentives, I explained that our 10 year tax holiday for eligible manufacturers is meant to encourage investment, production and job creation. As our people produce and earn more, Government also collects revenue through consumer spending and income taxes.

I particularly thank the CDF and his commanders for fighting corruption in the army and improving the welfare of our soldiers. I am following the improvements in barracks and pay, but the fight against corruption is especially important because it directly affects the welfare of our men and women in uniform. To the new officers, remain disciplined, stay close to the people and serve Uganda with honour.

This evening at State House Entebbe, I received Dr. Labanya Margaret Mathya Ugila, South Sudan’s Minister of Trade and Industry, and her delegation, who are in Uganda for the Joint Business Forum. Uganda is already exporting goods worth about $700 million annually to South Sudan, but we can do much more. To grow this trade, we must address trade barriers, improve security along the Juba - Nimule road and advance the electricity transmission project. We also exchanged views on South Sudan’s forthcoming elections and the importance of peace, stability and continued cooperation between our two countries.

Fellow Ugandans, especially the Bazzukulu, join me tomorrow at 11:00am as we celebrate our 64th Independence Day and reflect on our journey as a country.

I closed the inaugural African Conference of Chiefs of Defence Forces on Military Operations Other Than War at Speke Resort Munyonyo. I reminded our defence leaders that security cannot be separated from a strong economy, political cohesion and strategic cooperation. A country cannot have a strong and safe defence force without a strong economy. We must create wealth through commercial agriculture, industry, services and ICT, and provide a bigger market through the AFCFTA and regional integration. Our defence forces must also adapt to emerging and non traditional security threats and contribute to peace and national development. Security and prosperity go together. I thank all the visiting Defence Chiefs, Intelligence Chiefs and Force Commanders for coming to Uganda and participating in this important conference. I wish them a good stay in Uganda.