President Yoweri Museveni hosted 33 Spanish student volunteers at State House in Entebbe following the completion of their community outreach mission in the Gomba District. The delegation’s visit marks their fourth annual volunteering mission to Uganda, where they spent several weeks supporting vulnerable communities through infrastructure and welfare projects.
The outreach programme, which has received backing from President Museveni and First Lady Maama Janet Museveni, focused on building school facilities, improving access to clean water, and visiting vulnerable households. During the meeting, President Museveni outlined his administration’s broader economic goals, emphasizing a transition from subsistence farming to a commercial market economy.
“The Government is working around the clock to transform Uganda from a pre-capitalist society to a money economy where people produce not only for the stomach but also for sale so that they earn money. As more people join the money economy, the country’s tax base will also increase,” President Museveni said.
Economic Transformation and Local Development in Gomba District
President Museveni pointed to the Gomba District as an active example of this economic shift, noting that the area is steadily producing more commercial farmers. He described the trend as evidence that ongoing government wealth-creation initiatives are yielding positive results on the ground.
The visiting Spanish students coordinated their local activities through the Kelim Foundation. Dr. Harris Kirumira Kalule, the director of the foundation, attended the State House meeting to thank the President and the First Lady for their continued support throughout the volunteers’ deployment in rural communities.
Dr. Kirumira Kalule noted that the delegation’s grassroots projects directly addressed critical local needs, specifically targeting educational infrastructure, water accessibility, and the living standards of vulnerable families within the district.
Regional Stability and Ideological Frameworks
When asked how Uganda has maintained domestic stability while facing conflicts in some neighboring nations, President Museveni attributed the nation’s security to a deliberate rejection of identity politics in favor of shared national interests.
“We prioritise the politics of interest over the politics of identity. Patriotism means loving Uganda because you need it for your own prosperity. Pan-Africanism means loving Africa because our internal market alone is not enough for our development,” President Museveni stated.
The President added that this ideological stance has shaped national institutions, allowing for the formation of a professional and inclusive security apparatus. He explained that recruitment procedures for the national army and police forces focus strictly on professional capability rather than ethnic background, reinforcing national unity as a foundational state principle.
Youth Engagement and Future Partnerships
Addressing the broader audience on youth development, President Museveni advised young people to prioritize personal discipline, build stable families, avoid destructive behaviors, and maintain faith.
“As young people, avoid alcoholism, avoid womanising, get a family, be disciplined, and if you believe in God, it is an added advantage,” he advised.
Speaking on behalf of the visiting delegation, Lady Carmen Sillero expressed appreciation to the Ugandan government for providing essential logistics, including transport and security, which allowed the volunteers to access remote schools and communities safely. She voiced optimism that the collaborative relationship between the Spanish student groups and local communities will continue to expand in future years.