The National Resistance Movement (NRM) welcomes all Ugandans to the achievements so far registered since 2006 when Ugandans gave full mandate to NRM to lead the country. Sincere thanks go to all those who put trust in NRM as the best and most competent organization to govern the country. The trust Ugandans put in NRM was a result of its re-known track record of performance in the transformation of the country. NRM inherited, in 1986, a country in ruins. With a devastated economy, the country was collecting Shs. 5 billion only in revenue which has catapulted a thousand times to Shs. 5 trillion. With this increased revenue collection as a result of the growth and development of the economy, as well as peace and security, the country is now able to implement critical and desirable programmes. These include Universal Primary Education (UPE), Universal Secondary Education (USE), National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS), improvement in health services, rehabilitation and construction of roads, revitalising the power sector, etc. NRM is the only political organization in the country today with such a track record of having brought about a fundamental change in the country.
As an organization in charge of Government, NRM has promoted the rule of law and provided an environment for Ugandans to enjoy their constitutional rights. It is pleasing to report that there is peace in all parts of the country. By the time of the last general elections (2006), Kony and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) had virtually been defeated and they had fled to Garamba in Congo, but many Ugandans from North and North-Eastern Uganda were still living in camps. It is a source of pride that as a result of peace ushered in by the people of Northern Uganda working closely with the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Ugandans in the North and North-Eastern Uganda are no longer in camps. This is what the NRM promised the people. Now is the time for development of the areas that were affected by insurgency. Considerable progress through programmes such as Northern Uganda Social Action Fund (NUSAF) I and II, Peace Recovery and Development Programme (PRDP), rehabilitation of social infrastructure has been achieved and the people have gone back to their homes. In Karamoja, as promised in the 2006 election manifesto, after having launched a voluntary disarmament programme in 2002, NRM embarked on a forceful disarmament exercise that has seen many destructive guns removed from civilian hands. The guns in wrong hands have always been a source of insecurity. With peace in Karamoja, given a new mandate, NRM government will promote agricultural production as a priority to enable the region to be self sufficient in food production and eventually produce for the market.
In the last five years, NRM has invested a lot in the development of physical and social infrastructure the tremendous successes by these efforts are there for everyone to see. For instance, the pioneers of the Universal Secondary Education, who started in 2007 are now in senior four; rural water coverage has met the target of 65% as promised in 2006 manifesto; while the roads that NRM promised to tarmac have either been completed or construction is ongoing, or were designed and are due for construction.
The leadership of NRM commends all its members for the continued support to the organization. Many members offered to take part in leadership of the organization by standing for leadership positions at various levels in the party structures. Sincere congratulations go to all those who were elected to serve in the NRM leadership at various levels. Thanks also go to all those who participated in the competition for leadership positions referred to above but did not win. The strong interest exhibited in participating in these elections shows unique loyalty and love for NRM. NRM will forever be grateful to all its members for the enthusiasm and contribution to the party activities and programs.
The enthusiasm with which members participated in the NRM primary elections for flag bearer positions for the forthcoming general elections is a clear testimony that NRM is a mass organization. Notwithstanding the challenges, no other party in Uganda can hold such an election based on adult suffrage. All members are called upon to put NRM before self as is provided in the NRM Constitution. In this regard NRM members are discouraged from abandoning the party line and offering themselves as Independent Candidates in the forthcoming general elections. NRM will continue with the process of democratization and building consensus within the organization. This will augment cohesion and harmony. NRM extends thanks to its various organs for mobilization and recruitment for the party which has enabled us to register a record 8.6 million supporters and this number continues to grow. This is no mean achievement. The drive to recruit new members, including those from other parties, will continue. These new members are welcome and will enjoy all available opportunities in NRM.
In the next five years, given fresh mandate by Ugandans, NRM Government will continue the programmes as detailed in the relevant chapters of this manifesto. NRM will vigorously implement its zero-tolerance policy on corruption.
As detailed in this election manifesto, in the next five years, the thrust will be focused on betterment and effectiveness in service delivery, creation of jobs and consolidation of rule of law. Furthermore, the proposed investment in commercialization of agriculture will make Ugandans more prosperous. The NRM will invest in the development of the oil and gas sector and the proceeds therefrom will be used in the improvement of infrastructure and human resource development for prosperity for all Ugandans. The implementation of the above programmes will prepare the country for take-off to middle income status.