For nearly 40 years, President Museveni and his National Resistance Movement (NRM) have shaped Uganda’s future. Since the first post-1995 Constitution election in 1996, Museveni has made bold promises in every campaign, offering improved livelihoods, jobs, education, and healthcare.
From the 1996 manifesto, Tackling the Tasks Ahead, to the latest plans for 2026–2031, he has pledged wealth, stability, and growth for all Ugandans. However, as the 2026 elections approach, many question whether he has delivered on his promises across the previous six election cycles.
While poverty has decreased and literacy rates have risen, challenges such as poor-quality schools, unemployment, and uneven development persist. Using Museveni’s manifestos from 1996 onwards, government reports, and expert analyses, Bbeg Media examines the key promises, achievements, and shortcomings.
1996: Rebuilding After War
In 1996, Uganda was recovering from years of conflict, and Museveni’s first election under the new Constitution focused on recovery. His manifesto promised to combat poverty by encouraging every household to use small plots of land for cash crops (such as coffee), food crops, livestock, and fruit to generate a steady income. He also committed to free Universal Primary Education (UPE), protecting the environment through the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and fostering economic growth for peace and progress.
What Happened?
In 1996, over 70% of the population lived on less than a dollar a day. By 2006, poverty had decreased significantly, with improvements in living standards. UPE, launched in 1997, increased primary school enrolment from 3 million to 8 million children by 2015, and literacy rates rose from 56% in 1991 to 78% by 2015. However, schools became overcrowded, and Uganda has East Africa’s highest dropout rates.
The economy grew by 7% annually in the 1990s, reducing poverty from 56% in 1992 to 31% by 2006. Yet, northern Uganda, heavily affected by war, remains significantly poorer, with nearly half of the country’s poor concentrated there despite comprising only one-fifth of the population.
Verdict: Museveni laid a foundation, but equal wealth distribution remains a challenge.
2001: Building on Progress
Museveni’s 2001 manifesto, Consolidating the Achievements, aimed to expand free education to secondary schools (Universal Secondary Education, USE), further reduce poverty, and build roads and power plants. Facing a formidable challenge from Dr Kizza Besigye, Museveni promised improved healthcare, support for farmers to profit from crops, professionalisation of the army, and mechanisation of agriculture through the Plan for Modernisation of Agriculture (PMA).
What Happened? The PMA led to the establishment of the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS), while the army was restructured and renamed from the National Resistance Army (NRA) to the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) to reflect its new mission and structure. Health outcomes improved: HIV prevalence fell from 18.5% in 1992 to 6.4% by 2005 due to awareness campaigns and access to medicines. Infant mortality dropped from 97 per 1,000 births in 1995 to 43 by 2022.
However, infrastructure development, including roads and electricity, primarily benefited central Uganda, leaving the north 20–30% behind. Corruption remained a significant issue.
Verdict: Progress was made, but it was unevenly distributed.
2006: Wealth for Everyone
After removing presidential term limits in 2005, Museveni faced intense pressure domestically and internationally. His manifesto, Prosperity for All, promised wealth creation through NAADS to modernise farming, anti-corruption measures, and strengthening parliament. It also pledged to introduce Universal Secondary Education (USE) to complement UPE.
What Happened? NAADS provided farmers with tools and seeds, but corruption meant only 20% of supplies reached them by 2013. USE, launched in 2007, increased secondary school attendance to 35% by 2021—a significant step, but still low. Anti-corruption efforts saw some improvement, yet Uganda ranked 142nd out of 180 countries for corruption in 2023. The economy grew by 6% annually, and electricity access rose from 5% in 1996 to 35% by 2008. However, youth unemployment, at 13%, became a growing concern, and many felt parliament was overly controlled by the NRM.
Verdict: Ambitious promises were made, but corruption and weak governance hindered progress.
2011: Jobs and Better Services
In 2011, Museveni’s manifesto promised “more jobs, better services.” He launched Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) to provide farmers with seeds and tools, initiated youth funds, and planned 20,000 km of roads. He also committed to building more health centres and creating jobs for graduates.
What Happened?
OWC boosted agriculture, with maize production tripling to 3.5 million tonnes by 2020. Road networks expanded by 3,000 km, reducing transport costs by 20%. Health centres increased from 1,200 in 2011 to 3,000 by 2021, and 95% of children were vaccinated. However, unemployment rose to 19% by 2014, with youth comprising 83% of the jobless. Only half of primary school children completed their education due to a shortage of teachers, exposing weaknesses in UPE. Corruption in OWC meant many farmers missed out.
Verdict: Services improved, but job creation and quality education lagged.
2016: Aiming for Modernity
The 2016 manifesto outlined 16 goals, including improving agriculture through the four-acre model, establishing industrial parks for jobs, increasing teachers’ salaries by 50%, and introducing universal health insurance. Museveni also promised 2,000 km of tarmac roads and expanded electricity access.
What Happened? The NRM claimed 80–95% success by 2021. Hydropower capacity doubled to 1,168 MW, and coffee exports grew by 67%. Primary and secondary school enrolment reached 95% and 35%, respectively. However, only 10 industrial parks were built, far below the target. Youth unemployment rose to 32%, and healthcare spending remained low, with maternal mortality stagnant at 336 per 100,000 births.
Verdict: Steps toward modernity were taken, but they fell short for many.
2021: Securing the Future
Museveni’s 2021 manifesto, Securing Your Future, focused on four priorities: building 31 industrial parks, modernising 68% of farms, constructing the Standard Gauge Railway, and improving education and health (including free sanitary pads and health insurance). It promised 1.7 million jobs annually.
What Happened? By 2024, 35% of promises had been achieved. The Parish Development Model (PDM) reached 10 million households, and poverty fell to 16.1%. Child health and vaccination rates improved. However, only five industrial parks are operational, and unemployment remains at 12.3%, with 70% of youth either jobless or not in education.
Verdict: Progress is evident, but it is slow and uneven.
Museveni’s promises from 1996 to 2021 demonstrate ambition, and indeed, some progress has been made. Poverty has declined, education access has expanded, and health outcomes have improved. Yet, for many Ugandans, the dream of a better life remains elusive due to persistent issues like corruption, unemployment, and regional disparities. As Ugandans await Museveni’s 2026 manifesto, they hope for a plan that bridges the gap between promises and tangible achievements.
