President Museveni Warns Against “Kumemerera,” Advocates Focused Development Strategy
Kampala, Uganda – In a detailed address to the nation, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni cautioned Ugandans against the pitfalls of kumemerera (scattering resources thinly) and emphasized the need for strategic prioritization in national development. Drawing from the National Resistance Army (NRA)’s disciplined approach, the President highlighted past mistakes and outlined a roadmap for sustainable growth.
The Perils of “Kumemerera”
President Museveni criticized the tendency to spread limited resources across too many projects simultaneously, a practice he said leads to inefficiency and unfinished priorities. He recalled how post-1996 governments, influenced by “careerists seeking quick enrichment,” attempted “a thousand efforts at once,” likening it to a hen trying to swallow a rat. This approach, he argued, left critical sectors like infrastructure and energy underfunded, forcing Uganda to rely on unreliable donor support.
Donor Dependence and Its Consequences
The President cited three failed donor-funded projects as examples:
- The Kampala-Masaka and Kampala-Mityana road reconstructions.
- The Kilak-Patongo-Kalongo-Abim electricity line.
Donors withdrew last-minute, leaving gaps in connectivity. “What is the purpose of doing Masaka-Kabale but not Kampala-Masaka?” Museveni questioned, stressing the need for self-reliance.
The Turnaround: Roads and Electricity First
By 2005, Museveni implemented a radical shift: prioritizing roads and electricity. Budget allocations surged:
- Roads: From UGX 374 billion to UGX 6.4 trillion (2019).
- Energy: From UGX 133 billion to UGX 3 trillion (2019).
This focus ended blackouts, enabled projects like Bujagali Dam, and expanded the grid to 95% of districts. Road networks expanded, including Soroti-Moroto and Kampala-Entebbe highways.
Current Challenges and Future Plans
Despite progress, the President acknowledged setbacks:
- Category 2 Roads: Critical routes like Mityana-Kyenjojo and Mbarara-Ishaka deteriorated due to underfunding.
- Local Roads: Poor maintenance in some districts.
To address this, Museveni directed UGX 3.21 trillion to road maintenance and announced rehabilitation for key highways, plus new projects like Jinja-Kamuli and Nebbi-Arua roads.
Key Lesson: Focus Wins
Quoting a Runyankore proverb—“Owabiinga Ibiri, imutsiga” (spear one target, not two)—Museveni urged leaders to avoid distractions like “new cities or higher pay before securing infrastructure.” He also warned against inflated project costs, promising scrutiny.
