President Museveni has dismissed a Daily Monitor article that claimed Uganda has achieved nothing in the last 40 years under the National Resistance Movement (NRM), describing the assertion as false and misleading.
Museveni made the remarks today while addressing supporters during celebrations to mark the 40th Liberation Day at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala. He said the ruling party had rebuilt Uganda’s economy from the ruins of the 1970s and early 1980s and laid a foundation for long term growth.
“It is totally not true that the NRM has done nothing. We revived Uganda’s economy from where it was in the 1970s and we are now among the leading economies in the region when it comes to recovery and stability,” Museveni said.
Today, Daily Monitor published an article total titled: 40 years of no change, which questioned the NRM’s record after nearly five decades in power. The article argued that many Ugandans continue to struggle with poverty, unemployment and poor public services.
But Museveni said his government had stabilised the country, expanded infrastructure and shifted Uganda from a consumer economy to one with growing industrial capacity. He cited local manufacturing of products such as electronics, vehicles and other value added goods as evidence of progress.
“I am happy that Uganda can now manufacture sophisticated items like smartphones, computers and vehicles. This has created more value for our economy and strengthened innovation and science, which are critical areas for national development,” he said.
Museveni also blamed former president Idi Amin for economic disruption following the 1972 expulsion of Asians from Uganda. He said the NRM government reversed that policy by inviting the expelled families to return and reclaim or reinvest in their properties.
“When Amin expelled Indians, some of them had properties worth about Shs4,000 at the time. When we came into power, we decided to bring them back. Today, many of them own properties worth millions of dollars, which is important for our economy going forward,” Museveni said.
On poverty reduction, Museveni defended the Parish Development Model (PDM), a government programme aimed at moving households into the money economy. He announced planned changes to speed up access to funds and increase allocations.
Museveni reiterated Uganda’s commitment to the East African Common Market, saying regional integration remains key to expanding markets for locally manufactured goods.
“The East African market is still pivotal. Uganda is determined to see its goods and manufactured products sold across borders,” he said.
He also criticised the Uganda Police Force (UPF) for what he described as lax enforcement during opposition campaigns, accusing some politicians of using hate speech and violent rhetoric.
“The police should not remain quiet while opposition politicians use hate speech and what I would call terrorist style campaign strategies. This should not be entertained,” Museveni said.
Turning inward, Museveni warned NRM members against internal divisions, saying infighting weakens the party and discourages voter participation.
“NRM members must stop intrigue. This does not build the party, it destroys it. Learn to work together instead of fighting among yourselves. That is one reason why some supporters did not turn up in big numbers to vote,” he said.
The celebrations attracted diplomats, government ministers, former officials and party leaders from across the country.
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