Government Launches Manifesto Accountability Week 2024

*By John Kusolo*

The Government of Uganda, through the Manifesto Implementation Unit under the Office of the President, officially launched the Manifesto Accountability Week on Friday, November 15, 2024. The event, held at the Office of the President Conference Hall, was presided over by the Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, representing Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja.

The Manifesto Accountability Week, running until December 5, 2024, is an annual event designed to take stock of the government’s progress in implementing the commitments outlined in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Manifesto 2021-2026. This year’s theme, “Securing Your Future,” underscores the government’s focus on socio-economic transformation and fulfilling the aspirations of the Ugandan people.

*Progress at Midterm*

Hon. Babalanda highlighted that the NRM government has made significant strides in fulfilling its commitments, achieving an 84% implementation rate at midterm. Out of the 809 promises made in the manifesto:

35% (281 commitments) have been fully delivered.

49% (395 commitments) are ongoing and on track.

16% remain to be addressed before 2026.

The Minister emphasized that despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, global economic disruptions caused by the Ukraine-Russia war, and natural disasters, the government has demonstrated resilience. Uganda’s economy grew by 6% in the 2023/24 financial year, reflecting progress in implementing transformative policies.

*Key Achievements*

*Job Creation and Wealth Building:*

Over one million jobs have been created through programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM), which received a funding boost of UGX 1.0594 trillion. This initiative aims to integrate more Ugandans into the money economy.

*Agriculture Sector Growth:*

The sector’s value increased from UGX 39.1 trillion in FY 2021/22 to UGX 43 trillion in FY 2022/23, driven by investments in productivity and market access.

**Infrastructure Development* :

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Twelve modern markets were constructed in towns like Kabale, Mbarara, and Masaka, benefiting 17,399 vendors.

Progress on the Standard Gauge Railway included a resettlement plan, with UGX 151.656 billion paid to 5,023 Project Affected Persons (PAPs) and 1,522.44 acres of land acquired.

*Education Sector:*

The government completed construction of 102 out of 117 secondary schools, with 100 seed schools operational, enhancing access to quality education.

*Health and Social Services:*

Significant strides were made in improving access to health, water, and sanitation services, aligning with the manifesto’s social transformation agenda.

The Manifesto Accountability Week seeks to enhance public awareness of these achievements while addressing implementation challenges. Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and local governments will provide live presentations detailing progress and challenges. The sessions will include question-and-answer segments to foster transparency and accountability.

Local leaders, including Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), will appear on regional media platforms to disseminate information about the government’s achievements in their localities. Additionally, the use of social media, websites, print media, and souvenir magazines will ensure widespread access to information.

Prime Minister Nabbanja urged all government officials, including ministers, local government leaders, and party structures, to actively communicate the progress of the manifesto and strategies for completing pending commitments. “We are determined to achieve 100% implementation of our manifesto commitments by 2026,” she stated.

Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, Chairperson of the Manifesto Draft Committee, expressed optimism that the remaining 16% of commitments would be delivered within the next two years. He reiterated the government’s focus on building a prosperous and secure future for all Ugandans.

Willis Bashaasha, Director of the Manifesto Implementation Unit, highlighted the importance of this event in fostering trust between the government and citizens. “The Manifesto Accountability Week is a platform to celebrate milestones, address challenges, and reaffirm our commitment to delivering on the social contract with Ugandans,” he said.

As the Manifesto Accountability Week unfolds, Ugandans will gain a clearer understanding of the government’s efforts to fulfill its promises. With continued dedication and public support, the NRM government is poised to deliver on its vision of transforming Uganda into a middle-income country by 2040.