Kampala, Uganda | President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has unveiled the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Manifesto for 2026–2031, pledging to consolidate the country’s progress under the theme “Protecting the Gains.”
The manifesto outlines ambitious plans to drive wealth creation, expand infrastructure, improve social services, and deepen regional integration.
Seven Pillars for Transformation
In his address, Museveni highlighted seven key priorities that will guide Uganda in the next five years: peace, development, wealth, jobs, services, markets, and political federation.
He said Uganda’s economy has expanded from USD 3.9 billion in 1986 to USD 66.1 billion by 2025/26, attributing the growth to peace, stability, and infrastructure investment.
He stressed that the NRM’s mission is to fully monetise the economy by turning every Ugandan into a producer of goods or services.
The Candidate’s Profile
The manifesto also presents Museveni’s political journey, from his early activism in the 1960s, his leadership in the NRA liberation struggle, to his four decades at the helm.
It highlights his Pan-Africanist outlook and global recognition for peace and development initiatives.
Five Priority Areas
The NRM manifesto focuses on five thematic areas:
- Growing the Economy and Creating Wealth – advancing commercial agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, ICT, and youth talent.
- Infrastructure Development – expanding transport networks, energy, housing, and industrial parks.
- Human Development – investing in education, healthcare, water, and environment.
- Democracy, Governance and Security – deepening democracy, fighting corruption, improving security and justice.
- Regional Integration and Federation – strengthening Pan-Africanism and the East African Federation.
Achievements Listed
The party points to significant gains made over the past five years:
- GDP growth averaging 6.3%.
- Poverty reduced from 21.4% in 2016 to 16.1% in 2025.
- Life expectancy rising to 68 years, from 43 in 1986.
- Infant mortality reduced to 28 per 1,000 live births.
- Literacy rate improved to 74%.
- Electricity access expanded to 60% of the population.
- Tarmacked road network increased to 6,288km.
Unfinished Business
Museveni acknowledged challenges that still require urgent attention, including 33% of households stuck in subsistence farming, limited value addition to exports, high youth unemployment, persistent corruption, and weaknesses in public service delivery.
Key Promises
The manifesto pledges free education in government schools, improved healthcare and accountability in drug distribution, expansion of industrial parks and urban development, investment in irrigation, science and technology, and greater support for sports, arts and creative industries.
Regional Integration
Museveni underscored the importance of East African unity, warning that fragmented states cannot secure prosperity or defend their interests against external powers.
He said that for Africa to guarantee prosperity and security, political unity is not optional but essential.
The Bottom Line
The NRM manifesto positions the party as the custodian of Uganda’s achievements, with Museveni urging voters to renew their trust.
He assured Ugandans that the government has more capacity now than ever before and pledged not to let them down.
Key Facts at a Glance:
- Theme: Protecting the Gains.
- GDP target: USD 500 billion economy in coming years.
- Priority Sectors: Agriculture, Manufacturing, Tourism, ICT.
- Free Education: To be implemented in all government schools.
- Regional Goal: East African Federation.