President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has explained why Uganda has not yet implemented a minimum wage, saying the government is first laying critical groundwork to protect businesses and jobs.
Speaking during a campaign rally in Buikwe District on Saturday, Museveni said his administration prioritized securing peace and opening regional markets such as the East African Community (EAC) to allow investors to produce and sell goods competitively.
The President warned that introducing a minimum wage before addressing high production costs would hurt businesses and lead to job losses.
“Our focus is to reduce the cost of electricity, improve transport through the railway system, and lower interest rates in banks. When these costs come down, wages can rise sustainably,” Museveni said.
Using a guerrilla warfare analogy, the President emphasized that timing is everything, noting that rushed decisions can cause more harm than good.
Museveni also addressed land issues, with special focus on Mailo land, and directed the Attorney General to publicly clarify citizens’ land rights to prevent confusion, exploitation, and abuse.
He assured residents that government remains committed to economic stability, fair wages, and protecting Ugandans’ land rights.