President Yoweri Museveni is currently overseeing the concluding session of the Presidential CEO Forum (PCF) at the Kampala Serena Hotel. The two-day retreat focused on the commercialization of agriculture, with special attention to the untapped potential of Northern Uganda. The Forum, now in its fifth edition, aims to accelerate the region’s growth into a cornerstone of Uganda’s agro-based economy.
Irene Birungi Mugisha, CEO of the Presidential CEO Forum, emphasized the importance of Northern Uganda establishing its own development model. “The time has come for Northern Uganda to establish a unique model of development, leveraging its geographical advantage to support political and socio-economic advancement,” she said.
The Prime Minister, speaking at the event, reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming Northern Uganda into a thriving agricultural hub. This includes expanding commercial farming, improving infrastructure, and supporting agribusiness initiatives.
Emmanuel Katongole, Board Chair of the PCF, highlighted the region’s growing importance. “Northern Uganda ought to be the place to go, a refining region for our country’s investment,” he said, signaling the region’s potential to lead in agricultural development and attract investment.
The PCF is a strategic platform that brings together key players from Uganda’s private sector, including industrialists, manufacturers, and corporate leaders, alongside government officials. The Forum fosters collaboration between the private sector and government to align on national development priorities. Key goals include improving Uganda’s business environment, fostering industrialization, and enhancing innovation, all aimed at driving economic growth and job creation.
President Museveni stressed the importance of further collaboration between the government and the private sector to achieve national socioeconomic transformation. He particularly emphasized the role of value addition in agriculture to create sustainable jobs and boost the nation’s resilience.
As the Forum wraps up, its recommendations are expected to significantly influence Uganda’s future economic policies, underscoring the pivotal role of public-private partnerships in driving the country’s growth.