If you can’t make furniture what sort of experts are you? Museveni
Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has expressed doubt about the ability of experts in his country to create indigenous solutions.
President Museveni expressed his concerns during a speech to delegates on Thursday. He questioned the country’s reliance on importing furniture from other nations when it could be produced locally. He highlighted the irony of purchasing furniture from people residing in the desert and wondered why they would opt for imported furniture within their own country. The President emphasized the importance of promoting local industries and manufacturing to meet the nation’s needs, including essential items like furniture. His remarks aimed to encourage self-sufficiency and boost the domestic economy by supporting and utilizing local resources and talents.
“We cannot make a plane, a computer, or medicine. We can’t even make furniture, what sort of experts are we? Experts of ignorance?”He possed a Question.
Producing high-quality furniture domestically
Both Museveni and President William Ruto of Kenya share similar views on the importance of utilizing local expertise in furniture production.
Museveni’s sentiments align with Ruto’s statement that Kenya possesses sufficient skilled experts capable of producing high-quality furniture domestically. Ruto further emphasizes that imported furniture will be subject to a 30 per cent exercise duty, highlighting the government’s intent to support local industries and discourage reliance on foreign imports.
If you can’t make furniture, what sort of experts are you? – President Museveni
‘I want to encourage Kenyans wherever you are, you should be able to buy local furniture that is made by our young people and our entrepreneurs.”
Conclusion and Summary
Summary
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni expressed doubts about his country’s expertise in creating indigenous solutions, particularly in the furniture industry. He questioned the reliance on imported furniture when it could be produced locally, emphasizing the need to promote local industries and boost the domestic economy.
Uganda
Museveni posed a question, wondering if Uganda’s experts were only experts of ignorance, unable to create essential items like furniture.
Museveni and Ruto support local expertise in furniture production and advocate for domestic industry growth. Ruto proposes a 30% excise duty on imported furniture to encourage self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on foreign imports, aligning with Museveni’s views. Both leaders prioritize utilizing domestic resources to foster economic growth.
In a previous interview, President William Ruto emphasized the importance of supporting the local furniture industry in Kenya. He stated, “Importing furniture will attract taxes because we believe we have built enough human capital, enough skills and expertise to be able to make furniture in Kenya and good quality that can serve us.” Ruto passionately encouraged Kenyans to prioritize buying locally-made furniture crafted by young people and entrepreneurs.
The commitment to boost the local furniture sector was highlighted in the 2023/24 budget presented by Treasury CS Njuguna Ndung’u. The proposal includes a 30% excise duty on imported furniture, excluding EAC countries. The move aimed to address the negative impact of increased furniture imports, particularly office furniture, on local carpenters and artisans. The goal is to foster local business growth and nurture skilled talent in Kenya.
In 2021, the National Treasury rejected a 30% excise duty on imported furniture, deeming it counterproductive.
Our assessment resulted in dismissing the idea due to potential adverse effects on the furniture market and trade. We prioritize industry growth, sustainability, and providing consumers with diverse and affordable furniture choices.
