By John Okello Lapok
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the First Lady, also the Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni have hosted the second edition of Jazz with Jajja at their Kisozi farm in Gomba District.
The event brought together a number of content creators, journalists, digital entrepreneurs, and social media influencers for a deep reflection on Uganda’s economic transformation and national values.
Before the formal discussion, President Museveni took the youth on a tour of his farm, showcasing his herds, including Ekyigondo, now numbering over 700 cows originally belonging to his late mother, Kokundeka, for ghee production.
He emphasized the importance of preserving the legacy of forefathers and passing it on to the next generation.The Ranch Edition, coordinated by his daughter Natasha Museveni Karugire, brought together young Ugandans, many of whom shared stories of rising from difficult beginnings through digital enterprise.
The inaugural edition took place on January 4, 2026.During the meeting, President Museveni also pledged Shs5 billion in support to organized content creators, describing them as an important layer in Uganda’s evolving economy.
Responding to a request from YouTuber Isaac Katende, popularly known as Kasuku, on how digital influencers can formally collaborate with the government, the President described the sector as a modern evolution of traditional advertising.
“What you are talking about is not something new. In the past, companies spent money on television and radio advertising. Now a layer of operators has come up using social media as an easier way of communication to package and present products to consumers,” he said.
“If you are organized, we shall support you. If it is a combination of sales and entertainment, that is fine. I am glad to see our young people putting up that layer of promoters. We shall support you both in improving communication technology and operationally.”
President Museveni also underscored the contribution of content creators in the new economy.
“You are adding something different. It used to be an advertisement on radio and television. Now you have used the internet to combine celebrity with promotion and link it with other sectors.”
He framed the discussion within what he called Uganda’s “whole battle”, moving citizens from poverty into productive economic participation.
“I have heard that many of you were born in difficult circumstances. There are many like that. The question is: how can the country deal with that?” he inquired.
The President explained that the government’s long-standing strategy has been to involve as many Ugandans as possible in the four wealth creation sectors.
“Now about 70 percent have joined the money economy. Those will help us deal with the remaining 30%. In this new kisanja, we must fight poverty because poverty is the biggest problem,” he said.
He emphasized that financing has been deliberately taken closer to citizens through the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, ghetto funds and boda boda funds.
“We have made sure the money is near the people. PDM is in the parish; in towns it is in the wards. Go and join the SACCOs. They are open to everyone above 18 years.”
He revealed that the government injects Shs100 million per parish annually totalling Shs500 million per parish over five years, creating what he described as “parish banks.
”For creatives specifically, he confirmed direct intervention.“For the creatives, we are going to put money in your own SACCOs. We already have billions with the musicians. Now we are supporting you as well.” he said.
He reiterated that science and technology remain the primary drivers of transformation.“The primer of change in human society is science and technology,” he said.
“Without it, you cannot transform society.” he noted.
He concluded by thanking the organizers.
“I thank Natasha for coordinating you and bringing you here. I thank Maama for coming to support me at this event. God bless you all.”
In her comprehensive address, Maama Janet urged young Ugandans to rediscover their identity, embrace faith and take responsibility for transforming their country.
“It is important that we celebrate being Ugandan. Africa has failed to develop because it always looks to other countries to develop it, to change it or to do things for it, yet there are jobs here.” she said.
She expressed concern about young Africans risking their lives abroad while opportunities exist at home.
“We must start by being proud of being Ugandan. All the other things will come from knowing that Uganda depends on us to develop it,” she said.
Maama Janet cautioned against identity erosion, urging young people to value who they are and where they come from.
“When you see Ugandans trying to change themselves to look like others, just think,” she said, emphasizing that confidence in national identity is foundational to transformation.On education reform, she spoke at length about Uganda’s new competency-based curriculum, describing it as a shift from passive learning to active engagement.
“Our young people now enjoy being in class, asking questions and doing their own projects. Teachers are becoming facilitators. Education should liberate, not keep us captive.” she said.
