Museveni Outlines Seven Priorities for Extended Term, Cites Economic Growth and Unveils Graduate Funding Initiative
President Yoweri Museveni, fresh off his endorsement as the NRM Presidential flag bearer for the 2026-2031 term, has laid out seven key priorities he intends to pursue during his continued leadership of Uganda.
Speaking to party members at a fete in Kampala, the President highlighted significant economic progress, emphasizing a doubling of the nation’s GDP and increased investor confidence as testament to the prevailing peace and stability under his administration.
“I want to thank the NRM members for entrusting and electing me as the NRM Presidential flag bearer for the 2026-2031 term,” President Museveni stated.
He proudly declared that Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has surged from $34 billion to $66 billion during the recent “Kisanja” (term).
He further asserted that the country now possesses essential resources like electricity, developed road networks, widespread telephone connectivity, a skilled workforce, and a peace dividend, all of which are attracting a growing influx of foreign investors seeking secure and profitable ventures.
A key area of focus for the President is wealth creation, with a stated goal of bringing all Ugandans into the “money economy.”
He noted a positive shift, with the percentage of the population engaged in wealth creation increasing, though he acknowledged that a significant portion remains outside this economic sphere.
“Twelve years ago, only 32% of the people were engaged in wealth creation, 68% were outside and not engaged in the creation of wealth creation. I am glad that with the efforts we have done, that figure has now gone down. By the last census only 33% were outside the money economy,” he reported.
In a move aimed at addressing youth unemployment, President Museveni announced his intention to reintroduce a proposal for providing funding to university graduates who have been unemployed for two years post-graduation.
“I would also like to revisit an idea I proposed many years ago: university graduates who have been unemployed for two years after graduation should have access to funding. We are going to create a fund specifically for these graduates,” he declared.
The fight against corruption was also a prominent theme, with the President urging greater citizen participation.
He called upon the public to actively monitor and question the utilization of public funds, citing the Parish Development Model (PDM) as an example.
“Fighting corruption should involve you, the people, because you are witnesses to the crime. Therefore, you should ask, for example, ‘Where is the PDM money that was sent to the parish?’ You can wait for the president to intervene, but since you are nearby, why not take the initiative to help trace this money yourself?” he urged.
The seven core priorities for the upcoming term are:
Wealth Creation: Ensuring universal participation in the money economy.
Education: Guaranteeing free education for all children in government primary and secondary schools.
Infrastructure: Timely tarmacing of roads and maintenance of existing murram roads.
Crime: Combating petty crime and impunity through the mobilization of NRM structures.
Corruption: Eradicating corruption from all levels of governance.
Health: Building upon successful immunisation programs and ensuring the availability of drugs by preventing theft.
Water: Providing safe and clean drinking water to all villages.
The President’s announcement signals his intention to build upon his decades-long tenure by addressing perceived economic progress while also tackling persistent challenges like corruption and unemployment, with a clear roadmap for the next five years.
