Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives Minister Sanjay Tanna has warned that the government will demand strict accountability for billions of shillings poured into cooperative societies across the country, cautioning leaders against mismanaging public funds meant for local farmers.
Speaking on Saturday during a business consultative meeting and thanksgiving ceremony in Mbale City, Tanna revealed that his ministry is ramping up oversight to ensure government funds directly boost agricultural productivity and local household incomes, particularly in the Bugisu sub-region.
He noted that government has invested billions of shillings in cooperatives across the country, including in the Bugisu sub-region, but stressed that beneficiaries must account for the funds.
Hon. Tanna has also urged Ugandans, particularly leaders and young people, to read the book Musevenomics, compiled by Gen. Salim Saleh, saying it provides valuable insights into Uganda’s economic transformation and the country’s vision of becoming a US$500 billion economy by 2040.
The minister praised the National Resistance Movement government’s economic policies, which he described as “Musevenomics,” saying they have transformed Uganda from an economy plagued by shortages into one that exports agricultural products and other commodities across the region.
The Umukuka wa Bamasaba, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma his revealed that his cultural institution has already applied to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization for recognition of Mbale-Bugisu as a Creative City, saying the initiative seeks to elevate the region’s cultural heritage including the famous Imbalu circumcision ceremony and Kadodi dance into internationally recognized tourism products capable of generating jobs and investment.
He appealed to the Minister of Trade to support the UNESCO application and help integrate culture into Uganda’s creative economy.
The General Secretary of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) and Tingey County Member of Parliament, Hon. Fadil Twallah, commended Tanna for his contribution to Uganda’s economy through private investment.
Twallah said Tanna’s business enterprises have created employment for more than 2,000 Ugandans, describing the achievement as a demonstration of patriotism and commitment to national development. URN