Kampala, Uganda – The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has disputed the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) claim of achieving 84% implementation of its 2021-2026 manifesto.
Last Friday during the launch of NRM Manifesto week, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja revealed that the government has made significant progress in fulfilling its 2021-2026 pledges, with an impressive 84% completion rate, as stated in the NRM manifesto.
However, according to Uganda Peoples Congress spokesperson Arach Oyat Sharon, this percentage seems unrealistic given the country’s struggles in various sectors.
“The NRM government has failed to address the pressing issues affecting Ugandans, including unemployment, poor healthcare, and inadequate education,” Arach noted.
Arach criticized the NRM government for failing to deliver on its key promise of economic empowerment and job creation, as evidenced by the struggles of Uganda’s youth in finding employment
“As of now, our energetic youths, who cover over 70% of the national population, are roaming the streets hunting for scarce job opportunities while others find their way to Middle East countries for unprofessional jobs where majority of them have and continue to face difficult challenges which at times claim their lives.” Arach said.
She also condemned the NRM government for its inaction on regulating excessive school fees, which has resulted in financial hardship for parents and guardians trying to educate their children. This lack of oversight has led to a staggering number of students – at least 1.7 million – dropping out of school.
“UPC demands that the government delivers decent education services to our people, who remain the most important asset for the country,” Arach emphasized.
Arach further voiced concerns about government’s healthcare system, citing its fragile state due to inadequate funding and staffing in public hospitals, resulting in costly private healthcare alternatives.
“Our health service is not in good shape. It is very possible to walk into a government medical facility and be directed to a private hospital/pharmacy for specific medical tests and medicine whose services are expensive,” Arach observed.
UPC also condemned the NRM government’s inadequate management of land disputes and evictions, resulting in widespread losses of livelihoods and properties among citizens.
“UPC takes note of the growing wave of land fights and unlawful evictions affecting our people, especially in the rural communities of Buganda sub-region,” Arach said.
She added, “UPC is advising the Government to have a clear study on what triggers land fights and how best can we live in harmony with one another while making use of our natural resources.”
Manifesto week is conducted in line with the National Monitoring and Evaluation Policy (2013), it gives the government a chance to make its case to the citizens of Uganda, offering correct information about the social contract it signed with the people during the electoral campaigns.
The activities are running from November 15th, until December 5th, 2024 at the Office of the President Auditorium.
