Minister Kasaija urges Ugandans to seek money making solutions instead of begging

Finance Minister Matia Kasaija has reiterated a call to Ugandans utilize Uganda's comparative advantage in key sectors and stop being a destination for imported products.

Kasaija said due to its low local manufacturing base, Uganda is now a big supermarket for products manufactured in the region and other parts of the world. He was opening the East Africa Economic Outlook Round Table in Kampala.

Kasaija also lamented that Ugandans keep begging instead of suggesting solutions for making money or saving money.

Minister Kasaija said commercialization of politics has worsened the situation with voters putting heavy loads on politicians, especially members of parliament. He said at a personal level he offers financial assistance to a minimum of five people daily.

The minister called for nationwide engagements to enlighten the people, especially in rural areas, about the roles and responsibilities of politicians.

George Mutabazi, the Chairman of Lwengo District, said the political elite are "killing Uganda".

Mutabazi, infamous for flogging his electorate for being lazy and not participating in community work, said one big problem with Ugandans is that they talk a lot and do less, adding that there is a systemic failure in the country.

-URN