Museveni Attributes Uganda's Growth to Private Sector Despite Government Shortcomings

President Yoweri Museveni opened the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party retreat in Kyakwanzi by emphasizing Uganda’s robust economic growth, driven primarily by the private sector.

He remarked that the economy grows regardless of government inefficiencies or corruption, crediting the NRM’s focus on private enterprise since taking power. This approach has boosted sectors like manufacturing, hotels, and transport, alongside initiatives such as the Parish Development Model.

In his keynote address, ‘Protecting the Gains as we make a Qualitative leap towards a higher middle-income status,’ Museveni urged new legislators to promote prosperity through work and production, not begging or corruption. He envisioned a nation with quality housing, piped water, electricity, and income-generating activities.

The retreat, running from April 7 to 16, draws over 400 legislators, mostly NRM members, plus friendly opposition figures. It aligns with the party’s 2026-2031 manifesto, built on seven pillars including infrastructure, wealth creation, job generation, markets, services, and stability.

Uganda achieved lower-middle-income status in FY2025/26 with GNI per capita exceeding $1,136, fueled by industry, manufacturing, and agriculture. The government’s Tenfold Growth Strategy targets expanding GDP from $50 billion to $500 billion by 2040, emphasizing agro-industrialization, tourism, minerals, and technology.

This ties into the fourth National Development Plan (NDPIV), aiming to double the economy every five years through private sector strengthening, infrastructure, and productivity gains. Museveni also stressed security, regional integration, Pan-Africanism, unity, and anti-corruption efforts.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)