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(THE MONITOR UG) Economists call for strategic planning to uplift economy

Economists call for strategic planning to uplift economy
By Nicholas Kalungi
Posted Thursday, June 7 2012 at 00:00

Different economy stakeholders have asked the government to undertake calculated methods of intervention for the economy to attain higher levels of growth in both the shorter and longer run.

Speaking at the State of the Economy public dialogue organised by 93.3 KFM in partnership with ACODE and supported by NTV and KCB in Kampala, the panelists said even though the NRM has had undisputed achievements, it is currently faced with multiple shortcomings which need planned and strategic approaches.

Dr Fred Muhumuza, a Makerere University economist said with the current state of the economy, the government should deliberately invest in infrastructure development for it to economically out match its neighbours.

“This country does not have the right infrastructure to favourably compete with her neighbors. The way forward is very simple. If you do not have the required infrastructure then you need massive investments. If you are so much in a deficit then you need a good strategy,” Dr Muhumuza said.

Prof Augustus Nuwagaba, an economist at Makerere University said Uganda had failed to implement its brilliant poverty eradication policies.

He said: “Our 1997 poverty eradication plan was wonderful, however, fifteen years down the road, we have failed to implement it and many people continue to live on the wrong side of the economy”.

Changing attitude

Meanwhile, Mr Francis Kamulegeya, a partner at PriceWaterhouseCoopers (pwc) said Uganda has a good tax system but needs to work more on changing people’s attitudes towards taxes.

“So many people are not paying taxes because they have negative perceptions. We need accountability and trust from the authorities. We need to improve on this for more revenue collection.”

On the issue of unemployment and entrepreneurship, Mr Charles Ocici, the executive director of Enterprise Uganda said: “Young people should stop looking at employment as an address outside home. Truth is that there are not enough jobs. Let us begin from our homes with small businesses. Everyone should have a mindset of an investor if we are to address this problem.”

nikalungi@ug.nationmedia.com

Labels: ECONOMY, INFRASTRUCTURE, UGANDA

posted by MrK @ 6:07 PM