The National Resistance Movement (NRM) is celebrating its Manifesto Week from November 15 to December 5, 2024. This event, taking place in the conference hall at the Office of the President, showcases the achievements of various government agencies in line with the NRM Manifesto for 2021-2024.
Uganda is poised for significant economic growth after years of recovery, thanks to the leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. His vision is to transform Uganda from a primarily agricultural society into a modern, industrial, and prosperous nation by the year 2040.
The NRM (National Resistance Movement) government in Uganda has achieved several notable accomplishments since coming to power in 1986. Some of the key achievements include:
1. Economic Growth: Uganda’s economy has shown stable growth with an average increase of 6.1% each year. The economy has expanded from Ush14.4 trillion (about US$3.9 billion) in 1986 to Ush128.5 trillion (about US$34.7 billion) today.
2. GDP Growth: In 2023, Uganda’s economy grew by 4.6%, down from 6.3% in 2022. While sectors like mining, construction, and hospitality performed well, a decline in manufacturing and food production slowed overall growth.
3. Inflation Control: Uganda has maintained price stability over the years, with inflation dropping from 7.2% in 2022 to 5.5% in 2023.
4. Increase in GDP Per Capita: The GDP per capita has tripled in recent years, from Ush0.92 million (US$260) in 1986 to Ush3.15 million (US$891) in FY2019/20.
5. Revenue Growth: Domestic revenue collection has surged from Ush5 billion in FY1985/86 to Ush17,589 billion in FY2019/20.
6. Export Growth: Uganda’s total exports increased more than tenfold from US$502 million in 1986 to US$6,659 million in 2019. Key exports include gold, coffee, and fish.
7. Electricity Generation: The capacity for electricity generation in Uganda has increased significantly, from 150 MW in 1986 to approximately 1,400 MW currently, thanks to several hydroelectric projects.
8. Industrial Growth: The number of factories has grown from 80 in 1986 to nearly 5,000 as of 2020. The government has also established 25 industrial parks to encourage further growth and job creation.
9. Access to Electricity: Access to electricity has expanded from 5.6% in 1991 to about 66% of the population today due to efforts to improve the national grid.
Despite these achievements, challenges remain. The Covid-19 pandemic severely impacted Uganda’s economy and the implementation of the Manifesto. The country relies heavily on agriculture, which is vulnerable to climate change and unpredictable weather. This dependence makes the economy susceptible to shocks, leading to issues like food insecurity and reduced income for farmers.
The NRM’s commitment during this manifesto week highlights the progress Uganda has made and its ongoing journey toward a prosperous future. With continued efforts and strategic planning, Uganda aims to achieve its vision of becoming a modern and industrialized society by 2040.
