Uganda on the move: Prime Minister Nabbanja highlights progress during manifesto week”

On December 3, 2024, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), led by Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja and State Minister for General Duties Hon. Kasule Lumumba, showcased significant achievements and progress made during the government’s Manifesto Week. The presentation highlighted strides in infrastructure, accountability, and economic empowerment, despite challenges encountered during implementation.

Achievements in Infrastructure and Externally Financed Projects

The Prime Minister underscored the success of key infrastructure projects, including:

The Kampala Flyover Project, which has greatly improved traffic flow in the capital.

The National Oil Palm Project (NOPP) in Kalangala and Buvuma districts, contributing to economic development through agricultural value chains.

Additionally, 6,529 km of national roads have been constructed or rehabilitated, while the President recently commissioned the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway, marking a milestone in modernizing Uganda’s transportation network.

Strengthening Accountability and Community Engagement

Through the Parish Development Model (PDM), OPM has prioritized citizen engagement via Barazas (community accountability fora):

Facilitated 83 Barazas to promote transparency and public participation.

Conducted 41 follow-up meetings to fast-track the implementation of recommendations raised.

Key issues identified during the Barazas (2021 to date) include:

1. Low staffing levels in government entities.
2. High UPE dropout rates due to the absence of a school feeding program.
3. Professional misconduct, such as absenteeism among health workers.
4. Delays in coding community schools.
5. Use of outdated equipment in health facilities.
6. Poor maintenance of roads at both national and district levels.
7. Gaps between reported and actual results from government investments.
8. Inconsistent supply of medicines and consumables.

Economic Empowerment and Affirmative Action

The OPM continues to drive initiatives aimed at raising income levels in underserved regions like Northern Uganda, Bukedi, and Busoga. Key efforts include:

Distributing 182,294 iron sheets to six affirmative regions.

Facilitating 1,579 macro projects and supporting 239 parish community associations.

Providing 440 hybrid cows and 12,500 hand hoes to vulnerable households.

Additionally, 6,294 civilian veterans have been paid a one-off gratuity to improve their livelihoods.

Improved Service Delivery and Development Indicators

Prime Minister Nabbanja highlighted transformative achievements in service delivery:

Electricity connectivity stands at 60%, encompassing both on-grid and off-grid connections.

Life expectancy has risen from 43 years in 1991 to 67 years in 2023, a testament to improved healthcare and social services.

Judicial coverage has reached 70%, expediting access to justice.

66% internet penetration, up from 44% in 2018, signifies progress in ICT access and inclusion.

The government has also completed 12 world-class markets, benefiting 17,000 vendors, and enhanced education access, with only 100 sub-counties remaining without a seed secondary school.

Challenges and Way Forward

Despite these accomplishments, challenges persist, including inadequate budget allocations and staffing shortages in key departments like monitoring and evaluation. To address this, the government is focusing on:

Increasing funding to critical sectors.

Fully staffing and equipping the Office of the Prime Minister.

Commitment to Relocation and Resettlement

Prime Minister Nabbanja reiterated the President’s directive to relocate communities in landslide-prone mountainous areas. She emphasized that warnings were issued, but relocation efforts faced delays due to logistical challenges.

Looking Ahead: Realizing 84% of Manifesto Commitments

As the Manifesto Week presentation concluded, the Prime Minister assured Ugandans that the government is on course to achieve 84% of its commitments, reaffirming its dedication to delivering a more prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Uganda.

The comprehensive report by the OPM paints a clear picture of a nation on the move, overcoming challenges to build a brighter future for all Ugandans.