Musevenomics refers to the ideological definition and understanding of a special blend of capitalism,liberalism and socialism as preached and practised by Uganda’s four decades leader Yoweri Museveni. It can also pass for Museveni’s view of the interplay of the traditionally known factors of production and their modern application.
It is something not much talked about in our front media pages but fastest growing and deep rooted in the minds of the rural folk in the background. No doubt the discovery of oil and gas, the reforms in the banking and finance sector,security and stability have raised the desire for investment and confidence in the economy from Micro to Macro investment. Ugandans are seizing every opportunity to make money and viewing their country as a fast growing market place.
The First impression for us in Kampala is political tension arising from Museveni’s overstay in power and debate of his failures and exit plan.But outside Kampala,the scramble is for opportunities to make money not so much of who our next leader should be. Overwhelming responses to economic transformation programmes such as Operation Wealth Creation(OWC)of General Salim Saleh, Parish Development Model(PDM) of Galabuzi Ssozi, Emyooga of Haruna Kasolo and others. Similarly, citizen Initiatives to access credit and capital through SACCOs and saving boxes is indicative of everyone’s search for opportunities.
Museveni’s government is suffering from a mismatch of plans to educate and train more people leading to an overflow of labour and slow absorption of that labour.It passes that in promoting UPE,USE,Technical Education and now regional Industrial Skilling hubs, government did not plan for absorption of this excess skilled labour in equal measure.
One good question Museveni has addressed however is where to Invest. From those taking micro credit from SACCOs, PDM,Emyooga to those seeking MACRO Institutions, everyone is sure and confident of investing in any opportunity in Uganda.The challenge remains in the high cost of doing business,high cost of credit and lack of effective regulations to stabilize and monitor how the credit and financial institutions are exploiting Ugandans. Banks have posted huge profits sharing progress in the economy although citizens and naysayers are wondering how the banks operating in a seemingly harsh environment are making profits.The answer lies in Museveni’s breakdown of Uganda’s economy into the immediate precolonial,post-colonial,post independence and now the NRM economic outlook.
In every angle from markets to taxis to office workers,questions on what am I earning,what else can I do to earn better are all over. Therefore politicians preparing for the 2026 elections must study and be ready to offer good and practical answers to economic questions that appear to be leading in the preparations for the 2026 elections. The answers lie in unpacking,understanding,modifying and challenging Museveni’s understanding of Uganda’s economy yesterday,today and tomorrow called the Musevenomics, Better prepare!
About the Author
Sir Simon Muyanga Lutaaya is a journalist whose career spans over two decades. He is passionate about business, social – economic transformation, and neonatal health. He can be reached on 0703700309 or Email: smlmediac@gmail.com.
