Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Bank of Uganda Deputy Governor Augustus Nuwagaba has called on newly elected Members of Parliament to demonstrate patriotism by prioritising locally manufactured products, arguing that such a shift is critical for Uganda’s economic transformation.
Speaking during the ruling National Resistance Movement parliamentary retreat held at the National Leadership Institute Kyankwanzi, Prof. Nuwagaba emphasised that loving one’s country must go beyond rhetoric and translate into deliberate economic choices.
“Loving one’s country includes, among other things, giving priority to purchasing domestically produced products instead of imports and actively marketing the country’s tourism potential,” Nuwagaba said. “But it cannot be overemphasised that as Ugandans, you must love your country. Whether a leader or ordinary citizen, there is no one you can delegate that role to. Loving Uganda should be a natural law.”
The deputy governor cautioned MPs-elect against pursuing leadership for personal gain, urging them instead to embrace service-oriented leadership that prioritises the welfare of citizens.
“Too often, leadership is reduced to power, status and personal advancement. That is a fallacy. Leadership is about responsibility. It is about making decisions that improve people’s livelihoods,” he said.
Job creation
Nuwagaba explained that supporting local industries through consumption of Ugandan-made goods would not only create jobs but also strengthen the country’s industrial base and reduce dependence on imports, ultimately improving Uganda’s competitiveness on the global stage.
He further underscored the importance of empowering citizens economically, noting that true leadership involves creating opportunities even in challenging circumstances.
“Leadership also constitutes empowering people to advance their well-being even against all forms of adverse circumstances. It is not about exercising power per se, but creating opportunities for people to thrive even where such opportunities are not overtly apparent,” he said.
The economist urged legislators to support enterprise development, innovation, and value addition, which he said are key drivers of sustainable growth.
In a rapidly changing global environment, Nuwagaba also challenged MPs to remain adaptable and forward-thinking. Quoting Charles Darwin, he noted that survival depends on the ability to adjust to change rather than strength or intelligence alone.
“It is imperative to underscore the willingness to learn, relearn, and adjust,” he said.
Skills Development crucial
He posed critical questions for reflection, urging MPs to consider pathways to enhance productivity, identify available resources, and develop the necessary skills to harness them effectively. He also highlighted the need to explore access to capital and markets while addressing barriers to economic competitiveness.
“It is the answers to these questions that should shape both your individual and institutional behaviour,” he added.
The week-long retreat, which concluded on Monday, brought together legislators to align on governance priorities ahead of the new parliamentary term, with a strong emphasis on economic patriotism and transformative leadership.
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