The National Resistance Movement (NRM) is gearing up to commemorate the 38th Liberation Day on January 26, 2024, in Jinja City at St. John SSS Wakitaka Play Grounds. This significant event will take place under the theme “Building a Country We All Cherish.” As we approach this momentous occasion, it is important to reflect on the remarkable achievements of the NRM throughout its tenure.
Coming into power in 1986, the NRM, formerly known as the NRA, anchored its principles on democracy, patriotism, pan-Africanism, and socio-economic transformation. These core values laid the foundation for stabilizing Uganda politically and economically, steering the country towards development and progress.
Today, the NRM government proudly showcases concrete evidence of its substantial accomplishments across various sectors, including politics, the economy, and social service delivery.
Thanks to the deliberate efforts of the NRM government, statistical data from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) reveal a tremendous growth in the country’s economy. From a mere 3.9 billion US dollars in 1986, Uganda’s economy flourished to a commendable 49.4 billion US dollars in 2023.
The electricity generation capacity has also significantly expanded over the years, from 150 megawatts in 1986 to exceeding 1,300 megawatts in 2023. In terms of infrastructure, tarmac roads saw substantial growth from 1,000 kilometers in 1986 to over 7,000 kilometers by 2023. Air transport has witnessed improvements as well, with the number of airports increasing from 1 to 2, and airstrips escalating from 5 to an impressive 13.
Additionally, access to clean water in rural areas has reached 68%, while urban areas benefit from a 72% coverage rate. The government has made significant strides in healthcare provision, with the number of national referral hospitals increasing from 2 in 1986 to 5. Regional referral hospitals now stand at 17, and specialized hospitals have grown to 5, ensuring better access to healthcare for the population at large. The total count of district hospitals has surpassed 163. Remarkably, life expectancy has also seen a positive shift from 43 years in 1986 to 63 years in 2023.
In the field of education, the NRM government has made remarkable progress as well. Literacy rates have reached an impressive 75%, and government universities have significantly expanded from a solitary institution in 1986 to 11 universities at present. Additionally, the government has made commendable efforts to establish 77 government-aided technical colleges, nearly 1,000 secondary schools, and an impressive count of 12,433 primary schools nationwide. Across all sectors, the NRM government has demonstrated outstanding performance.
However, despite these notable achievements, the NRM government continues to face the challenge of a considerable portion of the population (38%) who still live in subsistence conditions. Recognizing this issue, the government has introduced the Parish Development Model (PDM). This strategic initiative aims to organize and deliver public and private sector interventions for creating wealth and generating employment at the grassroots level. Regarded as Uganda’s flagship program, economists believe that PDM holds the potential to uplift households from poverty and integrate them into the broader economy.
As we commemorate the 38th Liberation Day, it is imperative to recognize and celebrate the achievements realized under the NRM government. These accomplishments mirror the commitment and dedication of the government to improve the lives of Ugandans. While challenges remain, it is clear that the NRM government’s unwavering focus on democracy, patriotism, pan-Africanism, and socio-economic transformation has set Uganda on a path towards progress, prosperity, and a future that we can all cherish.
