By Aaron Okotel
MBALE CITY
The Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. Sanjay Tanna, has urged Ugandans, particularly leaders and young people, to read the book Musevenomics, compiled by Gen. Salim Saleh, saying it provides valuable insights into Uganda’s economic transformation and the country’s vision of becoming a US$500 billion economy by 2040.
Tanna made the remarks during his thanksgiving ceremony and business consultative meeting held in Mbale City on Friday, 24th July 2026 which brought together members of the business community and political leaders from across the Eastern Region.
The minister praised the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government’s economic policies, which he described as “Musevenomics,” saying they have transformed Uganda from an economy plagued by shortages into one that exports agricultural products and other commodities across the region.
Reflecting on the country’s past, Tanna recalled the hardships Ugandans experienced before 1986, including shortages of sugar, milk, salt, electricity, and poor road infrastructure.
He said Uganda has since made significant progress, becoming a net exporter of sugar, milk, food, and electricity due to deliberate government policies aimed at promoting economic growth and industrial development.
“As leaders, I want you to read the book Musevenomics to understand where we have come from, where we are today, and where we want to go as a country,” Tanna said.
On the priorities of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, the minister pledged to strengthen oversight of cooperative societies to ensure government resources directly benefit farmers and local communities.
He noted that government has invested billions of shillings in cooperatives across the country, including in the Bugisu sub-region, but stressed that beneficiaries must account for the funds.
“We are going to check on the levels of transparency and accountability. If government has given you billions of shillings, we shall ask what has been done with that money,” he said.
The Umukuka also appealed for the revival and modernization of cooperative societies, saying cooperatives historically transformed Bugisu by financing schools, hospitals, and community development through coffee production.
“Our cooperative movement built the economic foundation of this region. We expect the ministry to work closely with institutions like Bugisu Cooperative Union and Masaba Cooperative Union to restore that legacy,” he said.
Mudoma further urged the ministry to strengthen market access for coffee farmers by enabling them to export directly to international markets and earn better prices for their produce.
During the meeting, the General Secretary of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) and Tingey County Member of Parliament, Hon. Fadil Twallah, commended Tanna for his contribution to Uganda’s economy through private investment.
Twallah said Tanna’s business enterprises have created employment for more than 2,000 Ugandans, describing the achievement as a demonstration of patriotism and commitment to national development.
