Africa-Press – Uganda. President Museveni has rejected the long-standing narrative that Africa is overpopulated, instead describing the continent as “underutilised” and calling for urgent economic mobilisation to harness its demographic potential.
Speaking during national celebrations to mark World Population Day held at Busaana County Grounds in Kayunga District on Friday, Museveni said population growth should not be seen as a burden but rather a strategic opportunity for development, if effectively managed.
“Africa has been underpopulated for most of this millennium,” Museveni said. “Even today, Africa’s population is approximately 1.5 billion. For the first time, Africa’s population is bigger than India’s or China’s. But remember, Africa is 12 times the size of India.”
The President, who was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, emphasized that the real issue facing the continent is not its population size but a lack of economic productivity and engagement.
“So, I do not entirely agree with the idea that population is a problem. The problem is confusion,” he stated. “We must actively engage in the money economy—too many are still working just for the stomach.”
He reiterated the need for Uganda and the wider continent to transition from subsistence farming to commercial and structured income-generating activities as a pathway out of poverty. Museveni pointed to deliberate investments in education, skills development, value addition, and industrialisation as key to unlocking the continent’s demographic dividend.
First Lady Janet Museveni echoed the president’s call, urging Ugandans to focus on empowering young people through education, strong family values, and strategic planning. “Africans were not born to be poor,” she said. “We are all created by the same God. Let’s work together to ensure that everyone is well in their homes.”
This year’s World Population Day was commemorated under the global theme “To Leave No One Behind, Count Everyone,” with a focus on demographic inclusion and access to quality services, especially for women, youth, and vulnerable communities.
The event was attended by district leaders, civil society organisations, diplomatic representatives, and local residents, and featured exhibitions highlighting reproductive health services, youth entrepreneurship, and community development programmes.
As Uganda continues to register high population growth, policy makers and development partners are increasingly calling for stronger alignment between population dynamics and sustainable development planning.
Museveni’s remarks are expected to reignite discussions around how Uganda and Africa can convert population growth into a springboard for transformation.
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