The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) recently unveiled its manifesto for the 2026–2031 term, with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni reaffirming his commitment to consolidating Uganda’s economic, social, and political gains under the theme “Protecting the Gains.”
The President, who also serves as the NRM flag bearer in the upcoming 2026 general elections, said the new manifesto reflects the party’s enduring philosophy of transparency, accountability, and steady progress. He emphasized that before seeking another term, the NRM must first account for its performance during the 2021–2026 period, a term he described as “an excellent scorecard” in terms of economic growth, stability, and social transformation.
“The NRM believes in transparency and accountability as hallmarks of good leadership. As we ask Ugandans to renew our mandate, we must first show our performance over the last five years. Our achievements and unfinished business. We are concluding this term with a solid record of delivery,” Museveni said.
The 2026–2031 manifesto is anchored on five strategic pillars: growing the economy and creating wealth; infrastructure development; human development; democracy, good governance and security; and regional integration and political federation.
On economic growth and wealth creation, Museveni said the focus in the next five years will be on eliminating “spectators” from the money economy by ensuring that every household becomes a productive unit. The NRM plans to mobilize Ugandans to engage in income-generating activities, whether in agriculture, manufacturing, or services, to boost jobs, household incomes, and government revenues.
“We want all energetic Ugandans to be players in the wealth creation campaign. There should be no bystanders. The modern economy must have both producers and consumers. The next term will focus on turning every household into a producer of a good or service,” Museveni emphasized.
Industrialization remains central to this agenda. The President reiterated that value addition will be a priority to curb the export of raw materials and create more local employment.
“We will continue investing in value addition to ensure that Uganda’s products are processed and of high quality. Exporting raw materials is exporting jobs,” he said.
On infrastructure development, the manifesto commits to expanding and modernizing the country’s physical and social infrastructure; roads, electricity, schools, and hospitals — to lower the cost of doing business and unlock regional economic potential.
Museveni said infrastructure investment remains a key catalyst for development, enabling wealth creators to make higher profits and reinvest in the economy.
“Our government will continue to ensure cheap electricity, affordable transport, and reliable internet to make Uganda competitive and attractive for investment,” he noted.
On human development, the President highlighted the NRM’s legacy in education and health, pointing to universal immunization and education as milestones that have transformed Uganda’s population.
The next phase, he said, will focus on skilling the youth and aligning education with the demands of the job market.
“Our aim is to produce more job creators rather than job seekers,” Museveni stated. “We are reforming curricula to ensure that learners acquire practical skills needed in engineering, science, technology, and medicine. Uganda’s talent in sports, music, and the arts will also be supported through targeted investments in infrastructure and capacity building.”
Addressing democracy, governance, and security, the NRM reiterated its long-standing commitment to maintaining peace and stability.
Museveni described the party’s democratic record as “unquestionable,” pointing to regular elections and the constitutional right of Ugandans to choose their leaders.
“We have maintained peace for nearly four decades. We shall continue to protect life and property, fight crime, and safeguard our sovereignty,” he affirmed.
The President also highlighted the NRM’s commitment to regional integration and African unity, saying Uganda’s prosperity and security depend on a stronger, more united continent. He called for deeper economic and political integration to give Africa the market size and strategic strength to thrive globally.
“The prosperity, security, and fraternity of the African people cannot be achieved if Africa remains fragmented into 54 small states. We must continue working towards regional and political integration to ensure that our people are prosperous and secure,” he said.
Museveni warned against external exploitation of Uganda’s natural resources, assuring citizens that the NRM would continue to protect the country’s wealth from “parasites and opportunists.”
“The NRM has placed Uganda in an enviable position. There are many outsiders with their mouths watering for our coffee, gold, timber, and iron ore. But with the NRM at the helm, Ugandans can rest assured their resources are safe,” he said.
The President concluded by urging Ugandans to study the NRM’s new manifesto carefully and to trust the party to continue steering the country toward stability and shared prosperity.
“Our message is simple. Let us protect the gains we have made together. Uganda’s transformation story must continue,” Museveni said.
