A section of ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) MPs has credited the government with improving Uganda’s political and economic stability, saying the gains made since 1986 should be protected as the country marks 64 years of independence.
The legislators said the return to relative stability after years of political turmoil had created opportunities for democratic participation, education, infrastructure development and improved security.
John Bosco Koy Kariisa, the MP for Buhweju West told Bbeg Media at Parliament that the Independence Day celebrations should also recognise the political changes that have taken place since the NRM came to power in 1986.
Kariisa said the period had seen Ugandans gain opportunities to elect their leaders and had led to the adoption of the 1995 Constitution, which established a new constitutional framework for governing the country.
He said Uganda had experienced years of civil wars, military coups and constitutional crises before the current period of relative stability.
“We came from the Kabaka Yekka and UPC politics, among others, but Uganda has now settled with the NRM at the helm,” Kariisa said.
He added that regional integration had the potential to strengthen trade and economic cooperation among East African Community member states.
Kariisa pointed to plans for a Standard Gauge Railway as one of the infrastructure projects expected to ease the movement of goods and services across the region.
Edson Rugumayo, the NRM MP representing Western Region youth, said Ugandans should protect the gains made in political stability and economic development.
Rugumayo cited government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), rural electrification and Universal Primary Education, alongside improvements in security and the restoration of traditional cultural institutions, as some of the developments that should be safeguarded.
He acknowledged that Uganda continued to face challenges, including poor roads and youth unemployment, but argued that sustained stability and economic reforms could help the government improve public services.
Rugumayo said industrialisation and continued economic development could create jobs and provide resources for better roads, hospitals and affordable housing for low-income households.
Ambrose Murangira, who is seeking election to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), also commended the NRM government for improving conditions for persons with disabilities.
