As Uganda prepares to commemorate the 38th NRM/A Victory Day on Friday, January 26, 2024, the government has revealed transformative achievements ushered in by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) over the past decades.
NRA liberation day commemorates the end of a five-year people’s struggle, initiated by 27 visionary freedom fighters led by His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The struggle, culminating in victory, set the stage for a radical transformation of Uganda, liberating it from post-independence dictatorship.
In a briefing ahead of the celebration, Minister for the Presidency, Babirye Milly Babalanda, highlighted some of the notable achievements of the NRM government up to the year 2023. She told journalists at the Madia Center on Monday that the country has registered significant growth in the economy, infrastructure and service delivery among others.
In terms of economic growth, the Minister says Uganda has witnessed remarkable growth, with the economy expanding from US Dollars 3.9 billion in 1986 to an impressive US Dollars 49.4 billion in 2023.
She says that theNRM government has prioritized infrastructure development, evident in the expansion of tarmac roads from 1,000 kilometers in 1986 to over 7,000 kilometers in 2023. Additionally, airports increased from 1 to 2, and airstrips from 5 to 13.
Balanda also revealed that electricity generation has experienced a substantial boost, soaring from 150 Mega Watts in 1986 to exceeding 1,300 Mega Watts in 2023.
She further notes that the national healthcare system has undergone a significant transformation, with the number of national referral hospitals increasing from 2 to 5, regional referral hospitals reaching 17, and specialized hospitals numbering 5.
Furthermore, the literacy rate has seen a commendable rise to 75%, with universities increasing from 1 in 1986 to 11. Technical colleges now stand at 77, secondary schools at 983, and primary schools at an impressive 12,433.
Among other achievements listed is the Life expectancy that has extended from 43 years in 1986 to a healthier 63 years in 2023.The media landscape which has flourished, with the proliferation of radio and TV stations, marking a stark contrast from the limited media outlets in 1986.
Minister Babalanda says the celebration will take place in Jinja City at St. John SSS Wakitaka Play Grounds and District Celebrations will be held throughout the country, with some district leaders attending the national celebrations in Jinja City.
She indicated that security measures have been put in place, led by the Uganda Police Force, supported by specialized units. The program adheres to the National Order of Precedence, and invited guests are expected to arrive promptly.
The Patriotism Secretariat, led by Commissioner Helen Seku, pledged to intensify efforts to promote patriotism across key sectors in 2024.
This year’s theme for the 38th NRM/A Victory Day is “Building a Country we all cherish.”
In 1987, Cabinet under Extract 437 declared the 26th of January a Public Holiday, marking the victorious culmination of a five-year people’s struggle under the visionary leadership of His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The historical event laid the foundation for the resistance against the post-independence dictatorship that had cast a shadow over Uganda since 1962.