By Stephen Ojacor
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has outlined seven key priorities in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government’s development agenda, emphasizing peace, stability, wealth creation, and economic transformation as the pillars for Uganda’s progress.
The President made the remarks during a press conference held at the State Lodge in Soroti, moderated by Patrick Oluk, a senior journalist with Etop Radio under Vision Group. The interaction attracted regional media representatives, local leaders, and members of the public who gathered to listen to the Head of State’s address on the NRM’s strategic direction.
1. Peace and Stability
President Museveni reaffirmed that peace remains the cornerstone of Uganda’s transformation. He said that the NRM government continues to strengthen the country’s security systems to ensure long-term peace and a stable political atmosphere.
“Without peace, there can be no meaningful development,” he said, emphasizing the role of the army and intelligence services in maintaining national stability.
2. Infrastructure Development
The second pillar of the NRM agenda, according to Museveni, is the development of essential social infrastructure. He pointed out that government investments in roads, schools, electricity, and health facilities have significantly improved service delivery and connected remote areas to economic opportunities.
“These roads and power lines are not just for show—they are channels of transformation. They enable people to move goods, access education, and get medical services,” the President stated.
3. Wealth Creation
Wealth creation featured prominently in Museveni’s message. He noted that while infrastructure development is important, true economic stability depends on the wealth of individuals and households.
“As a party, we must ensure our people create wealth. When citizens are productive and wealthy, they contribute to national growth through taxes,” he said.
Museveni cited examples of regions excelling in wealth creation, including the cattle corridor, Bundibugyo, Kalangala, and Buganda, which are thriving through livestock and coffee production.
4. Job Creation through Skills and Innovation
The fourth key focus is job creation, which the President said is being driven through vocational and hands-on education. He explained that the government is encouraging young people to pursue practical courses such as Information and Communication Technology (ICT), hospitality, tailoring, and catering to promote self-employment and productivity.
“Our young people must acquire skills that allow them to create jobs rather than wait for white-collar employment,” Museveni said.
5. Market Expansion and Value Addition
The President also emphasized the importance of developing markets for Ugandan products. He highlighted the East African Community (EAC) as a key platform for expanding trade, but stressed that value addition is essential if Uganda’s goods are to compete regionally and globally.
He cited the Soroti Fruit Factory as a successful example of value addition, producing the “TEJU” fruit juice brand, which he said has set a benchmark for local industrial quality.
6. Regional and Political Integration
Museveni underscored the significance of political and economic integration, particularly within the East African region. He revealed that Uganda is actively engaging with partner states to strengthen cooperation for collective development and stability.
7. Administrative Efficiency and Resource Management
On administrative matters, President Museveni announced that the creation of new administrative units has been suspended. He said government will instead focus on consolidating existing structures and improving service delivery in areas such as roads, electricity, and health facilities.
Cattle Restocking and Party Discipline
In response to questions about the long-awaited Cattle Rehabilitation Programme, Museveni reaffirmed his commitment to implementing the initiative in phases. “We have already presented it to Cabinet, and they have received it. Implementation will follow soon,” he assured.
On the issue of NRM members contesting as independents, Museveni warned that such acts undermine party unity.
“There is no law stopping anyone from contesting, but it is dangerous to the party because it causes division and weakens us,” he cautioned. “Any NRM person who contests as an independent is a criminal to the party. I urge them to make peace and maintain harmony.”
The President concluded by calling on Ugandans, particularly the people of Teso, to focus on wealth creation and productivity rather than waiting for government projects alone. “The future of our country lies in individual effort supported by government programs,” he said.