NRM SCORED 87% IN IT’S 2021-2026 MANIFESTO REPORT

By Josepha Jabo The National Resistance Movement (NRM) scored 87% in its overall end of term performance assessment. This was revealed during the presentation of the End of Term 2021-2026 NRM Manifesto Evaluation Report, held in the conference hall, at the Office of the President in Kampala on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. The event was hosted by the Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babalanda, and the chief guest was the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja. Other dignitaries included the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President of Uganda, Hajji Yunus Kakande, the Secretary General of the NRM, Richard Todwong, Director of Communications for the NRM, Emmanuel Dombo, NRM politician, Professor Ephraim Kamuntu, the Director of the Manifesto Implementation Unit some ministers and, of course, the media fratenity. Hajji Kakande congratulated President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for winning the presidential election with 72% of the vote. On her part, Babalanda pointed out that the report was being presented before the swearing-in ceremony. “The evaluation process commenced in June 2025. The report provides a comprehensive assessment of the implementation of manifesto commitments, at the close of this political term, which will conclude on the12th of May 2026, following the swearing-in of his Excellency, the President of the Republic of Uganda. The overall projected performance registered, standing at 87%, is a testament to committed leadership, coordinated implementation and a determined effort to fulfill the pledges made to the people of Uganda. It reflects a collective drive towards socio-economic transformation and the pursuit of a prosperous future for all Ugandans. This achievement provides a strong foundation for the next phase of Uganda’s development journey, particularly the implementation of NRM Party Manifesto 2026-2031 and the Fourth National Development Plan,” she said. Nabbanja saluted all Ugandans who voted overwhelmingly for the presidency and the NRM Party in the last elections. “The implementation period of this manifesto will end at the swearing-in of the new government. Therefore, as Leader of Government Business in Parliament and the chief implementer of government policies and programmes, I am pleased to present our accountability on the manifesto implementation status. As you are aware, the implementation of the manifesto committees was aligned to the Third National Development Plan (NDPIII) and now NDPIV the Vision 2024. Out of 809 manifesto commitments (pledges), 434 (54%) have been fully delivered, 264 (33%) are work in progress, and 110 (13%) are still being implemented. That means that at the end of this political term, the manifesto performance will be over and above 88%,” she said. “In 2026, Uganda emerged as Africa’s fastest growing private sector overtaking Nigeria,” Nabbanja revealed, a comment which drew applause from the audience. “Above all, our country has remained stable and peaceful over the past 5 years. We shall reduce the cost of doing business that is by lowering the cost of Internet, transport and electricity tariffs. We shall fight all forms of corruption. We shall continue to add value to our agricultural products and minerals before exportation. As we begin a new political term, I would like to inform the NRM party leadership and fellow Ugandans that the NRM government is ready to deliver on the new commitments outlined in the NRM Manifesto 2026-2031.” The Prime Minister concluded her remarks by handing over the report to the Secretary General. Todwong spoke glowingly about NRM party achievements. “On behalf of the party we are happy and excited to be here. For the first time, in the record of NRM, we are receiving a report on how our manifesto has been implemented. Under the multiparty political dispensation, parties compete based on their manifestos and these manifestos are drawn from Vision 2040, the NDPs and all other development agendas of government, from which we draw our manifestos. So, competition for political space is a competition of manifestos. It is manifestos that are being voted for, therefore, the winning party hands over that manifesto to government for implementation. Government has done wonders! Ugandans became very satisfied with our work and they brought us back to leadership by 72%. Governance is a continuous effort; it is not a one-off,” he said. “If possible, we shall eliminate corruption!” Todwong declared and light laughter erupted from the audience, which caused him to smile. He requested the Prime Minister and permanent secretaries help NRM fix the corruption problem. “We know it is not only in government; corruption is something that affects everybody in society, but they (people) are focusing on government corruption more, so let’s fix it.” He added that the NRM government wants to invest in cities, including Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, to reduce the amount of time people spend in traffic jam. NRM is also committed to investing more in industrial parks, in all the sub-regions of Uganda; expanding affirmative action programmes, to attain social equity and ensure that no Ugandan is left behind. Todwong pledged to deliver a much-improved manifesto going forward. “There were challenges in implementation, in the next manifesto we shall correct ourselves and make sure we move together. The party and government are in a very cordial relationship. For those who are not yet aware, we are now planning for 2031. Thank you so much for this wonderful report, I will present this report to the party leadership.” The writer works for Uganda Media Centre

2026-04-23

UGANDA CALLS FOR STRONGER WORKPLACE MENTAL AWARENESS AHEAD OF THE WORLD DAY FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH 2026

By Kakumba Ramlah The Minister of State for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Hon.Esther Anyakun Davinia, has called on employers across Uganda to prioritize mental health and safety at work. Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre ahead of the commemoration of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2026, the Minister warned that modern workplace pressures negatively affect employees' mental health and productivity. Hon. Anyakun also highlighted the challenges such as heavy workloads, job insecurity, long hours, and workplace harassment as key contributors to stress, anxiety, and depression among workers. “A healthy workforce is the backbone of national development. Psychosocial resilience is not only about individual coping mechanisms, but also about creating supportive work environments where workers feel valued, protected, and empowered,” she said. She urged employers to integrate mental health into workplace safety policies, promote openness, and ensure access to counseling services and employee assistance programs. She also emphasized the need for reasonable workloads and work-life balance for employees. To workers, the Minister encouraged self-care and openness. “Prioritize your mental well-being, seek support when needed, and actively participate in workplace mental health programs.’’ According to Hon. Anyakun, the ministry has not yet officially registered specific figures or detailed reports on mental health cases arising directly from workplaces. However, she emphasized that mental health challenges among workers are clearly increasing and remain a significant concern. The Minister noted that widespread job losses particularly following funding cuts from organizations such as USAID have left many workers without employment, leading to heightened stress and anxiety. Uganda will commemorate the World Day for Safety and Health at Work will be held on April 28, 2026, at St. Noah Mawagali Secondary School, Buikwe District. The official theme for the commemoration is, “Building Psychosocial Resilience: Sustaining Uganda's Occupational Safety and Health Gains through Mental Wellbeing and Organizational Strengthening.’’ Other related key activities will include, a national symposium at the Nakawa Innovation Hub on April 22, a sanitation drive in Njeru on April 24, and a safety and health run on April 26. The event is expected to bring together government officials, employers, workers, and development partners to discuss workplace safety and mental health. The event will raise awareness about occupational risks, promote better working conditions, and encourage collective action to protect the physical and mental well-being of workers across the country.

2026-04-22

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI MEETS FORMER ETHIOPIAN PRIME MINISTER HAILEMARIAM DESALEGN

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today met with the former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, H.E Hailemariam Desalegn, who now serves as Chairperson of the Board of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), at State Lodge, Nakasero. President Museveni commended AGRA for its contribution to strengthening food systems on the continent, noting its role in promoting science, innovation, and policy advocacy. He emphasized the need for practical and locally relevant solutions, observing that traditional communal dams are becoming less effective as farmers have increasingly adopted zero grazing to control livestock diseases. President Museveni added that the government is prioritizing modern water harvesting systems for irrigation and industrial use, while cautioning that chlorinated piped water may not be suitable for all agricultural purposes. The President welcomed AGRA’s approach, saying it offers Africa an opportunity to embrace modern, home-grown farming methods instead of relying on imported European models that may not suit local conditions, particularly in areas such as animal feed production. He also highlighted the importance of boreholes in supporting households and reducing reliance on communal water sources. On his part, H.E Desalegn thanked the President for the meeting opportunity, noting that AGRA is making significant strides in sustainably improving Africa’s food systems. He added that the organization, now marking 20 years of existence, remains committed to driving agricultural transformation across the continent. According to AGRA, its work in Uganda dates back to 2006, initially managed from Nairobi, before expanding its presence with a country office and leadership structure to oversee its growing programs. Over the years, the organization has supported the training of scientists—including plant breeders, agronomists, and soil experts—many of whom now hold key positions in research and development institutions such as the National Agricultural Research Organisation. AGRA has aligned its interventions with government priorities, including support to the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) processes. It has also contributed technical and financial assistance toward strengthening agricultural planning frameworks and helped Uganda access climate financing, including through the Green Climate Fund, to enhance resilience among smallholder farmers. AGRA Uganda Country Director, Mr. David Wozemba said the organization operates in 15 African countries and focuses on improving seed systems, ensuring farmers have access to high-quality seeds through a network of agro-dealers. He noted that AGRA supports early generation seed production, certification, and tracking systems to improve quality and accessibility. He further highlighted AGRA’s advocacy for improved fertilizer policies, describing fertilizers as a critical component in boosting seed productivity, as well as its efforts in promoting the adoption of modern farming technologies.

2026-04-22

COMMISSIONER SEKU RALLIES 600,000 PATRIOTS FOR GEN. MUHOOZI BIRTHDAY RUN

The Commissioner of the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC), Hellen Seku, has rallied over 600,000 trained patriots across the country to participate in the upcoming birthday run for the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, scheduled for April 26, 2026. Speaking during a visit to the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) offices in Kampala yesterday, Ms. Seku reaffirmed the shared values between the NSPC and PLU, emphasizing patriotism, unity, and service to the nation. She also purchased run kits in support of the event, signaling her commitment to the cause. “Patriotism and PLU are close —we are like relatives. I want to thank the Chairman of PLU, General MK, for thinking about Ugandans. It takes a patriotic heart to think about others, especially the needy,” she said. Ms. Seku praised the initiative for going beyond celebration, noting that the run promotes charity, health, and national cohesion. She highlighted that the event is not only aimed at physical fitness but also at uplifting communities and extending support to vulnerable groups. “This run will not only improve our physical well-being but also touch people’s lives,” she added. “We are promoting good health, hope, and charity so that Ugandans remember leaders who care for others and take action to support them.” She urged all trained patriots nationwide to participate, stressing their shared responsibility in advancing national values. According to Ms. Seku, the large number of trained patriots represents a powerful force for positive change at the grassroots level. The Commissioner also commended the government for maintaining peace and security, describing the current environment as stable and conducive for such national activities. She attributed this to strong leadership in the security sector, again recognizing Gen. Kainerugaba’s role. Looking ahead, Ms. Seku called for sustained engagement beyond the run, encouraging organizers to develop more initiatives that bring Ugandans together and reinforce a culture of care and unity. The run is expected to take place at Kololo Independence Grounds, drawing thousands of participants from across the country in a show of solidarity, patriotism, and collective responsibility. “We expect to see all of you in Kololo. This spirit should not end here—we must continue building activities that remind Ugandans that we care deeply for one another.” The event is anticipated to be one of the largest patriotic gatherings in recent years, combining celebration with a strong message of service and national pride.

2026-04-22

GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES POSTCOM,AN ONLINE TRADE PLATFORM

By Ramlah Kakumba and Fortunate Akankunda The government has launched Postcom, a new online shopping platform operated by Posta Uganda. The platform aims to make it easier for Ugandans to buy and sell goods and services online while supporting the country’s growing digital economy. The Postcom platform was unveiled at a press conference at the Uganda Media Centre this morning. Posta Uganda Managing Director Mr. James Arinaitwe said the initiative is part of efforts to modernize the post office and keep it relevant in a fast-changing digital world. “The post office is not going away,” he said. “Even 100 years from now, it will still be there, but delivering different kinds of services.” He explained that Postcom will enable individuals and businesses to sell goods online and use the postal network to deliver them efficiently and affordably. “If you have goods to sell, even small items, put them on the platform. We will connect you with buyers and deliver them wherever they are,” he said. Postcom is an online platform where sellers list their goods and services and connect with buyers who seek them. The platform will also allow users to offer services such as consulting, making it more inclusive for different types of businesses. Mr. James Arinaitwe emphasized that the service will be free to use. “You will put your products here free of charge, meaning sellers will be charged a fee to post their goods and services on postcom,” he said. Mr. Balyejjusa Sulaiman Kirunda, the Board Chairperson of Posta Uganda, said the launch of Postcom is part of a broader government plan to grow the economy through digital transformation. “We cannot grow the economy without going digital,” he said. “This platform will help Ugandans reach wider markets, increase sales, and improve household incomes.” He encouraged entrepreneurs, small businesses, and individuals to use the platform to promote locally made products. The platform was developed with support from the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, which provided the technology required to build the system. Hon. Godfrey Baluku Kabyanga, the Minister of State for Information, Communication Technology, and National Guidance, said that Postcom will also work closely with other government agencies to improve service delivery and ensure smooth operations. Postcom will operate under the supervision of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), which will regulate the platform and ensure that only acceptable content and services are offered. The minister reassured the public that online transactions are safe as more people embrace digital services. With the launch of Postcom, the government hopes to expand digital trade, improve service delivery, and provide more Ugandans with a chance to participate in the online economy.

2026-04-21

INTER-SCHOOLS CODING COMPETITION EMPOWERS THE NEXT GENERATION

By David Muwonge The Inter-Schools Coding Competition (ISCC) stands as Uganda's largest and most impactful National Advanced Technology Initiative for secondary school students. Launched to provide young Ugandans with early exposure to advanced technological skills, the ISCC aligns closely with the nation's digital transformation agenda, inspiring a new generation of innovators and problem solvers. On Tuesday, April 21st, 2026, the journey took another significant step forward. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, Dr. Aminah Zawedde, and Mr. Alan Kasujja, Executive Director of the Uganda Media Centre, met with the ISCC team at the National Innovation Hub in Nakawa. This meeting marked a key milestone, reaffirming the government of Uganda’s commitment to empowering Uganda’s youth through digital skills. The ISCC bridges the gap between formal classroom ICT education and real-world digital skills by using a structured, Competition-Based Learning approach. This hands-on model ensures that students are not only learning theory but also applying their knowledge to practical challenges. So far, ISCC and its partners have trained over 4,000 students from 120 schools across Uganda in Python programming, a foundational skill for careers in data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and web development. These numbers reflect the growing excitement and ambition among Uganda’s youth. Building on this, the ISCC leadership aims to reach 500 secondary schools this year, significantly expanding the program’s impact and bringing advanced technological skills to even more students across the country. Isaac Prince Sekatawa of ISCC shared, “Last year, we were able to reach 4,000 students. This year, we are reaching 500,000 students across the country.” This ambitious target stresses the initiative's scale and vision. At the same event, Dr. Zawedde stated that digital transformation begins with equipping young people with skills in coding, analysis, and problem-solving, noting that these competencies are now as essential as learning English and Mathematics. She stressed that infrastructure, tools, and online services are key to national progress, adding that data protection and cybersecurity are necessary to ensure digital solutions have a real impact. The Permanent Secretary noted that digital skilling goes beyond rhetoric, describing it as a key driver of innovation, entrepreneurship, and meaningful opportunities for Uganda’s youth. Alan Kasujja noted that, “so we as the Media Centre are excited to support anything that has an impact on communities. Anything that seeks to show young people where the opportunities are. We are going to support those groups.” He added, “That's why we are associating ourselves with a competition that showcases coding skills from across the country. We are giving them visibility.” Mr. Alan Kasujja said that the Uganda Media Centre aims to offer strategic support to anyone seeking assistance, ensuring individuals receive the visibility their projects require. He explained that the Centre will guide people to ensure their projects receive the attention they seek. Kasujja noted that the secondary schools project is reaching people in villages and remote schools across Uganda. He emphasized that some of the best-performing schools are in very remote areas, such as Kigezi, and expressed confidence in the initiative, emphasizing its widespread and positive impact throughout the country. Last year’s competition, held at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on December 12th, 2025, marked the program’s successful launch. Standard High School Zzana emerged as the champions, setting the stage for an even more exciting edition this year. “So, we are excited that this year we are happening again. It's happening again, and we look forward to seeing the permanent secretary as our chief guest at the Kololo Independence Grounds,” Prince Sekatawa remarked. In her concluding remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Aminah Zawedde, emphasized that building a generation of coders requires more than training, stressing the importance of creating pathways to jobs, competitions, and tangible rewards for young people. Testimony Daniel Mich Ogwal, a former Pine International School student, recounted his encounter with the Inter Schools Coding Competition, a unique and exciting opportunity he had only ever seen online. Forming a team with his peers, Daniel experienced the intensity of competition-based learning, regularly checking the leaderboard and finding his biggest rivals were teams from the Kigezi region. Despite these challenges, his team advanced through both regional and national rounds, ultimately securing third place at the grand event in Kololo. He observed that the ISCC inspired participants to pursue innovative technological projects, such as digital election and sign-in systems, even among teams that did not win. Daniel shared the story of his friend Joshua, who, though not a winner, was motivated to start building a Ugandan version of Amazon. For Daniel and many others, the competition was truly life-changing, instilling new confidence and ambition.

2026-04-21