The benefits that the NRM aims to safeguard

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OPINION

By Sarah Nanteza Kyobe

Our opposition colleagues have raised concerns regarding the accomplishments that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) asserts it will maintain in the upcoming term if re-elected. The opposition contends that there are no achievements worth safeguarding.

While their assertions may hold some truth, particularly in light of the ongoing unresolved issues, it is inaccurate to claim that the ruling party has not made any advancements over the past forty years. It is crucial to recognise the facts and acknowledge contributions where they are warranted.

I was born at a time when the ruling party had just assumed power; thus, my knowledge is somewhat limited. Nevertheless, accounts from witnesses and research reveal that insecurity was rampant in Uganda and other African nations. Ugandans, along with numerous other Africans, lived in trepidation prior to the NRM's ascension to power.

Following its rise, the NRM initiated efforts to establish peace, stability, and security by overcoming armed opposition factions such as the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), Alice Lakwena's Holy Spirit Movement, and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).

It established a disciplined, professional, and community-oriented force (UPDF) that refrains from seizing citizens' property, in contrast to the previous military regime.

The NRM has fostered regional stability through peacekeeping and security operations, particularly in Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and has actively participated in regional efforts to combat insurgent groups.

Additionally, it spearheaded disarmament initiatives, especially in the Karamoja sub-region, to mitigate cattle rustling and improve local security.

Currently, the stability, peace, and security within the country enable individuals to travel freely at any time without interruptions, and businesses function beyond standard hours, cultivating a sense of safety and stability.

The promotion of peace, stability, and security has facilitated the infrastructure development across multiple transport modes that include roads, air, water and railway.

As of September 2025, Uganda has approximately 6,287 kilometres of paved (tarmac) roads. These roads are essential to the national road network, connecting various parts of the country.

The government is continuously improving and expanding paved roadways to connect all regions of the country, even though a significant portion of the national network remains unpaved.

The focus is on enhancing the paved road infrastructure through both new constructions and restoration initiatives.

In the water transport sector, significant ports are undergoing upgrades, and the national ferry network is being expanded. Projects include the Bukasa Port Development, Port Bell, and the rehabilitation of Jinja Pier.

The government operates a fleet of 13 ferries on lakes and rivers such as Lake Victoria and the River Nile. New ferries, including the MV Sigulu, have been introduced to connect remote areas and districts, including those surrounding Lake Bisina.

Additionally, the MV Kaawa cargo ship was rehabilitated with support from the World Bank to enhance cargo transport on a vital triangular route.

Uganda's aviation sector has seen considerable infrastructure improvements at Entebbe and various other airports, the reestablishment of the national carrier (Uganda Airlines), and a steady increase in both passenger and freight traffic.

Entebbe International Airport is being expanded to raise its capacity from 2.0 million to 3.5 million passengers, with a renovated terminal and a new cargo terminal already in operation. A second airport in Hoima is under construction to support oil, tourism, and agriculture. Upcountry aerodromes such as Kisoro, Gulu, and Arua are being upgraded to enhance connectivity and tourism.

The national airline has improved by acquiring new Airbus A330neos and Bombardier CRJ900s and has obtained the necessary certifications.

Uganda Airlines has broadened its network to include destinations such as Dubai, Johannesburg, and Mumbai, resulting in substantial increases in both revenue and passenger numbers.

Over the last forty years, Uganda's transportation industry has undergone significant improvements, marked by considerable growth and upgrades in infrastructure across multiple transport modalities, including road, air, and maritime.

The writer works with the Uganda Media Centre