Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has urged the country’s innovators and creatives to prioritize basic human needs over secondary issues. Speaking at the National ICT Job Fair 2023 in Kampala, Museveni emphasized that it’s crucial to address challenges related to basic human needs before diving into conversations about technology and electronics.

Museveni stressed the importance of food, shelter, clothing, health, security, mobility, infrastructure, knowledge, communication (including ICT), and entertainment as the top priorities for Ugandans. While acknowledging the significance of ICT and digital advancements, he reminded the audience that technology won’t fulfill these fundamental needs.

Although he supports ICT initiatives, Museveni called on Ugandans to use technology wisely to benefit the economy, particularly by promoting Ugandan products and services for socioeconomic transformation. He encouraged innovators and creatives to focus on Uganda’s ability to self-sustain and meet its basic needs, rather than seeking external support.

Museveni highlighted the potential of the digital space to improve the quality of life, emphasizing that it can lead to greater independence and transformation if utilized effectively.

The National ICT Job Fair 2023 is a two-day event aimed at connecting young individuals with employers and providing job opportunities, internships, apprenticeships, and training programs in Uganda’s dynamic ICT sector. The fair, supported by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, is taking place at Kololo Independence Grounds and involves partnerships with organizations such as Huawei Technologies Uganda.