The four-day forum, organised by Next Media under the theme 'Putting Money in People's Pockets: Translating Economic Growth into Household Prosperity,' began at Next Media Park in Naguru on Tuesday. It brings together government officials, business leaders and economic experts to discuss practical ways of converting economic growth into improved incomes for ordinary Ugandans.
Opening the forum, Next Media Deputy Group CEO Peter Jackson Mungoma said economic growth only matters when people feel its effects in their daily lives. The Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Amos Lugoloobi, highlighted how international credit ratings influence Africa's access to capital and borrowing costs, which determine resources available for national development. Kayongo Allan, Senior Development Planner at the National Planning Authority, stressed that household prosperity requires collaboration among government, the private sector, communities and individuals, saying government cannot achieve this alone.
The first day featured two panel discussions on agriculture. One examined ways to increase the value of Uganda's agricultural produce through agro-processing and product development. The second explored farmers' access to markets, financing, tax support and logistics. Nile Breweries Uganda Limited said it contributed more than UGX 5 trillion to the national treasury between 2010 and 2025.
The forum continues until Friday, with each day focusing on different sectors under the ATMS framework: Agriculture, Tourism, Mineral Development and Services. Wednesday covers tourism opportunities linked to Uganda's role co-hosting AFCON 2027. Thursday examines mineral development and local participation. Friday focuses on services including financial inclusion and technology.