President Yoweri Museveni has defended the government’s development priorities, saying Uganda is following a deliberate economic sequence that places infrastructure, production and stability ahead of expanded investment in creative industries and digital innovation.

Addressing bloggers, youth representatives and journalists at State House Nakasero on Sunday in a theme titled “a chat with Jajja”, Museveni said government policy has focused on building essential foundations such as security, electricity, roads and agriculture, which he described as necessary for sustainable growth across all sectors.

The president explained that agriculture and manufacturing were deliberately prioritised to create a stable base for economic transformation. He said other sectors, including sports, arts and digital content creation, have already benefited indirectly from improvements in peace, education and overall economic recovery.

Museveni argued that Uganda previously had widespread practical skills before colonial rule disrupted local systems of production and trade. He added that post-independence political instability further weakened skills development until recovery efforts began under the National Resistance Movement administration.

According to Museveni, Uganda’s economy has progressed through several stages, starting with recovery and expansion, followed by diversification and value addition, and has now entered what he described as the knowledge economy phase. He said increased government attention to innovation and creative industries would come as this transition continues.

During the same engagement, Museveni addressed the continued restriction on Facebook access in Uganda, saying the government remains open to reviewing the decision if the platform complies with national expectations and regulations.

The president defended the prolonged restriction, noting that the country has continued to function despite the absence of the platform. He maintained that the original decision was aimed at asserting discipline and accountability among global technology companies operating in Uganda.

Facebook was blocked in January 2021 following a dispute between the company and the Ugandan government over the removal of accounts linked to political activity ahead of the general elections. While internet access was later restored, Facebook has remained inaccessible without the use of virtual private networks.

Museveni acknowledged that the restriction has affected online businesses and content creators but said any decision to reopen the platform would depend on compliance with government conditions.

He concluded by reiterating that understanding markets, strengthening production and building infrastructure remain central to Uganda’s economic transformation agenda.