Minister Akori Says NRM Policies Lead Uganda’s Steady Economic Growth
5 October 2024, 16:12
By Lakomekec Kinyera
On Saturday, October 5, 2024, Minister of State for Economic Monitoring, Akello Beatrice Akori Praise, shared profound insights during a conversation with Rapa FM talk show host Waroco Paco, just ahead of Uganda’s 62nd Independence Celebration.
In her address, she lauded the remarkable progress Uganda has made since gaining independence in 1962, attributing this success to the steadfast governance of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
“We have come a long way since 1962. Under President Museveni’s leadership, Uganda has transformed into a beacon of stability in the region,” stated Minister Akori. “While economies may face periods of contraction and recession, they have the potential for recovery and expansion. This is reflected in our journey over the past decades.”
Minister Akori acknowledged Uganda’s turbulent history, marked by leadership changes that resulted in instability, wars, and misunderstandings. “The peace we enjoy today is largely due to the visionary leadership of President Museveni,” she asserted. “In contrast to the chaos following the recent elections in Kenya and the ongoing conflicts in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda stands as a refuge for many.”
A cornerstone of Uganda’s development has been the improvement of its infrastructure. Minister Akori praised enhancements made to the national road network, asserting, “The roads today are significantly better than those of the past, thanks to the proactive measures taken by President Museveni’s administration.” She specifically pointed to upcoming projects in the northern region, including those in Pader and Agago districts, as part of the National Development Plan 4, which is set to commence in 2026.
The economic achievements under President Museveni and the NRM are noteworthy. “Since President Museveni took office in 1986, we have achieved macroeconomic stability and maintained low inflation rates within a free market economy,” she noted. Reports indicate that real economic growth has averaged around 6.1%, expanding Uganda’s economy from Ush 14.4 trillion (US$3.9 billion) in 1986 to Ush 128.5 trillion (US$34.7 billion) in 2019. GDP per capita has more than tripled during this time, reflecting changes in living standards for many Ugandans.
Furthermore, Minister Akori discussed health initiatives, stating, “Our commitment, championed by President Museveni, is to ensure that every sub-county has health facilities, including health center IIIs and IVs. While we have made progress, we still face challenges within the NRM manifesto in this sector, but we shall achieve all these.”
Highlighting Uganda’s rich mineral resources, she referred to the country as the “Pearl of Africa.” “Recent oil discoveries in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bunyoro are expected to significantly boost our economy,” she emphasized.
In conclusion, Minister Akori Praise’s remarks during her interview with Waroco Paco serve as a testament to the strides Uganda has made under President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the NRM. “While challenges remain, the foundation laid for steady development offers hope for a brighter future,” she concluded. “Our ongoing commitment to harnessing resources, improving infrastructure, and fostering human capital will be vital in driving Uganda toward sustainable growth and prosperity for all its citizens.”