Support leaders who will ensure your problems are attended to, says Museveni

President Museveni has blamed the lack youth development programmes in many constituencies across the country to members of Parliament, who he said only care about enriching themselves instead of addressing their electorates' issues.

Mr Museveni also urged the youth in Uganda to acquire skills that will create jobs and stop Ugandans from importing things that can easily be made within the country instead of wasting time with leaders whose pre-occupation is to oppose government programmes.

“Support leaders who will ensure your problems are attended to, not those whose pre-occupation is to oppose government programmes,” Museveni said.

Upon return from Ethiopia where he attended the Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Summit, Mr Museveni toured different Saccos in Wakiso and Kampala districts, offering them working tools and start-up capital.

“I visited Katabi Artisans Sacco, Najja Furniture and Metal Works Association, Namasuba Furniture Makers Association, Kibuye Furniture Makers, Kibuye Welders Group, Nalukolongo Furniture Makers Association and Busega Welders and Furniture Makers groups,” he added.

According to him, Ugandans spend over Shs18,000 billion annually importing all sorts of things and yet this means they are giving away not just money but jobs to people in other countries.

“Take the example of hides and skin. Uganda sells these in raw form to other countries but later imports shoes, chairs and other products made from the hides and skin. We have to stop this by adding value and producing products for sale and export,” the president said on Thursday.