KAMPALA – The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has launched its manifesto for the 2026-2031 term, titled “Protecting The Gains,” outlining a bold vision to catapult Uganda into a high middle-income economy and fundamentally transform the livelihoods of all citizens.
The comprehensive document, released by NRM National Chairman and Presidential Candidate Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, positions the next five years as a period for a “Qualitative Leap Forward,” building on the party’s 40-year record.
A Seven-Pillar Vision for Transformation
At the heart of the manifesto is a framework of seven strategic pillars that the NRM identifies as crucial for national progress: Peace, Development (Infrastructure), Wealth, Jobs, Service Delivery, Markets, and Political Federation.
In a detailed message, President Museveni articulated that the journey from a “collapsed money economy” has progressed through phases of recovery, expansion, diversification, and value addition. He now envisions Uganda’s entry into the knowledge economy, with a goal of growing the economy from the current USD 66.1 billion to USD 500 billion.
“This is how we come to our present intention of executing a qualitative leap and transformation into a high middle-income status of USD 500 billion in the next few years,” Museveni stated, attributing this potential to adding value to raw materials and intensifying involvement in sectors like technology and manufacturing.
Wealth Creation at the Forefront
A significant focus of the manifesto is on wealth creation at the household level. The party pledges to intensify its flagship programs, primarily the Parish Development Model (PDM), which has already reached 4.1 million households. The NRM promises to continue providing Shs 100 million per parish annually, with an increased allocation of Shs 300 million per ward in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area.
The document also highlights other financial inclusion initiatives, including continued support for Emyooga SACCOs, the Uganda Development Bank (UDB), and an export guarantee scheme, all aimed at moving the remaining 33% of households from subsistence to the money economy.
Infrastructure and Industrialization Drive
The manifesto commits to an aggressive infrastructure development plan to lower the cost of doing business. Key promises include:
· Transport: Completing the Kampala-Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), rehabilitating the Meter Gauge Railway, and constructing a light rail mass transit for Greater Kampala. The party also pledges to maintain and build new roads, bridges, and drainage systems across the country.
· Energy: Reducing the electricity tariff for large manufacturers to 5 US Cents per kWh and investing in new power plants, including the ambitious Buyende Nuclear Power Plant.
· Air Transport: Further capitalizing Uganda Airlines to acquire more aircraft and open new routes, alongside operationalizing new international airports in Hoima and Kidepo.
Human Development: Free Education and Healthcare
The NRM reaffirms its commitment to human capital development, with a major pledge to eliminate illegal fees in government schools.
“We are determined to implement free education for our children in government schools (primary, secondary and tertiary),” the manifesto states, identifying the charging of unauthorized fees as a key barrier it plans to remove.
In the health sector, the party promises to combat the theft of government drugs through the rollout of an electronic medical record system and to construct and equip new health facilities across the country.
Governance and Security
The manifesto touts the NRM’s record in maintaining peace and security for 40 years. It promises to continue professionalizing the security forces, recruiting more police officers to meet UN standards, and equipping them with modern technology like body cameras and expanded CCTV networks.
On the fight against corruption, the party emphasizes the continued digitization of government services to eliminate bribery and pledges to strengthen anti-corruption agencies.
Regional Integration for Prosperity and Security
Echoing its Pan-Africanist principle, the NRM commits to deepening regional integration within the East African Community (EAC), including supporting the journey towards a Political Federation and a single currency.
“The NRM will… work with other EAC member countries to eliminate all non-tariff barriers,” the document notes, highlighting the critical importance of expanded regional markets for Ugandan products.
Accountability and Forward Look
The manifesto opens with a detailed scorecard, claiming the NRM has delivered on 86.3% of its 809 promises made in the 2021-2026 manifesto. It frames the upcoming term as one to “protect” these gains while aggressively pursuing the next phase of national socio-economic transformation.
With this manifesto, the NRM makes its case to the Ugandan electorate, arguing that its sustained leadership is essential to secure the country’s progress and achieve an unprecedented economic leap.
