President Museveni has said that a scientist is not an observer but an actor in the economy adding that science is the basis of modernisation.
“I am glad my colleagues have agreed on paying scientists well. You must go to higher-level technology so that we protect ourselves but also make money. Foreigners have been making money out of germs for a long time. Check on the internet and see the amount of money got out of vaccines,” said Museveni.
Museveni made the remarks during the launch of the Presidential CEO Forum (PCF) at State House Entebbe, tasking the Ministry of Finance to include private sector stakeholders in policy-making, especially in revitalising the economy battling the effects of Covid-19.
Presidential CEO Forum is a direct and an adequate link between the private sector leadership, CEO’s from corporate institutions, and government executives with the aim of contributing to the national development agenda.
President Museveni has on several times reiterated the government’s commitment to salary enhancement for medical practitioners and other scientists, saying the government is focused on developing Uganda using a science-led development strategy.
Museveni promised that his government would continue to improve the training and remuneration budget for the scientists so that the country can be able to train and retain them for their crucial role in the development and sustainability of the country.
“I used to have a problem with KACITA. Their business was importing. They even reached the extent of importing wigs. The main message is, please, minimize and eliminate importing. I have never been in the business of importing, never. I am glad even my children don’t, we are farmers, and some have started manufacturing,” Museveni noted.
“If you want the country to grow, you need to look at what business you are doing. Does it bring blood here or does it suck blood and take it out?”
The president said that he was very happy to launch the Presidential CEO Forum noting that he will organise, and ensure that these leaders go to Kyankwanzi so that they can harmonise thinking globally.
“These associations should always be consulted when we are coming up with policies. The warriors involved in the economy are there. What don’t you ask them? They are here and organised. Let us consult them,” Museveni told the Ministry of Finance.
The Executive Board Director Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) Barbra Mulwana said that the forum will support development work, connecting the private sector to conversations on social economic transformation and policy direction.
Mulwana had been nominated by the president Museveni to represent the manufacturing fraternity on the inaugural Board of the President CEOs Forum (PCF).
She explained that the forum will provide a direct interface with the Head of State in order to promote sound strategies for industrialization, value addition, and purposeful leadership.
“It is our aspiration that this forum, which has been founded on strict non-sectorial principles, shall provide the previously missing link between the public and private sector at both the decision making and implementation levels,” said Mulwana.