President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has outlined the National Resistance Movement (NRM)’s new manifesto as a blueprint for Uganda’s next phase of transformation, emphasizing wealth creation, value addition, infrastructure development, and governance reforms as the central pillars for national progress.
Speaking as campaigns intensify ahead of the 2026 general elections, President Museveni said the NRM’s agenda is designed to consolidate four decades of stability and economic growth while addressing the remaining gaps that keep millions of Ugandans in subsistence livelihoods.
He described Uganda’s journey to modernization as a “relay race,” where each stage builds on the foundations laid by previous efforts. “The road to a modern Uganda is not a sprint but a long relay race, and the NRM is handing the baton forward with a clear game plan to finish what it started,” the President said, emphasizing that the next five years will be “pragmatic, bold, and crafted so that no Ugandan is left on the sidelines.”
At the heart of the manifesto is a renewed focus on household wealth creation. President Museveni said nearly one in three households still operates at subsistence level, producing only for consumption rather than income. The government’s goal, he said, is to integrate these families into the money economy through commercial agriculture, small enterprises, and cooperatives that generate sustainable incomes.
Land reform also features prominently, with proposals to resolve land ownership disputes and promote farm consolidation for large-scale commercial production. “We cannot talk of prosperity without addressing land fragmentation and disputes that keep farmers small and poor,” the President noted.
Value addition remains one of the NRM’s rallying calls, with Museveni reiterating that Uganda must stop exporting raw materials and instead process and refine its products locally to create jobs and retain wealth. “We lose billions every year exporting raw coffee, minerals, and cotton. The time has come to produce and sell finished goods,” he said.
Agriculture modernization will be anchored in irrigation, improved soil health, and climate-smart farming practices to reduce reliance on unpredictable weather. Museveni said investments in irrigation and soil restoration will stabilize yields, boost productivity, and transform farming into a reliable business.
The manifesto also highlights science, technology, and innovation as the drivers of Uganda’s next economic phase — transitioning from a raw-material-based economy to one anchored in manufacturing, services, and digital industries. Lowering the cost of doing business through cheaper power, efficient transport, and affordable credit is central to attracting investors and empowering entrepreneurs.
Infrastructure projects take a central place in the agenda. The President pledged to complete the Standard Gauge Railway, revive the Meter Gauge line, and construct a refined-products pipeline to ease fuel transport. Urban growth, particularly in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, will be managed through modern infrastructure, affordable housing, and improved public transport systems.
Job creation and skilling are another top priority, with the manifesto targeting reduced youth unemployment through industrial parks, vocational training, and entrepreneurship support. The creative arts, sports, and entertainment sectors are also recognized as vital engines for employment and economic growth.
Governance and transparency form the backbone of the NRM’s reform agenda. President Museveni reaffirmed his zero-tolerance stance on corruption, promising stronger accountability mechanisms and better oversight of public resources. Domestic revenue mobilization is set for renewed attention to ensure Uganda can sustainably fund its national priorities without overreliance on external aid.
Regional trade integration will also be strengthened through deeper participation in the East African Community (EAC), COMESA, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), enabling Ugandan goods to access broader markets and fetch better prices.
The social sector remains a cornerstone of the NRM’s commitment to inclusivity. The manifesto pledges to eliminate illegal charges in Universal Primary and Secondary Education schools and curb drug theft and absenteeism in health facilities. “Education and healthcare must deliver value to the taxpayer — no child should be denied school, and no patient should suffer from theft or negligence,” Museveni said.
Environmental conservation and climate resilience run through every policy area. The President said the government will prioritize sustainable land and water management, forest protection, and renewable energy investment to secure Uganda’s future.
In summary, the NRM’s new manifesto positions itself as a compact of continuity and acceleration — one that seeks to move Uganda from a largely agrarian economy to a modern, inclusive, and competitive society.
“We have built the foundation of stability, and now it is time to finish the transformation,” President Museveni said. “The next five years are about completing what we started — making sure every Ugandan is part of the journey to prosperity.”
