By Diana Kintu
The Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, has outlined the government’s clear strategy to ensure that development and economic growth reach every part of our country. Speaking on behalf of His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, she stated this on October 30, 2025, at the Speke Resort Convention Centre in Munyonyo, Kampala, during a key regional development workshop. The main goal, she explained, is to achieve equitable growth, meaning every region should develop fairly to improve the lives of all Ugandans, no matter where they live.
The government has been using the Decentralisation Policy to send decision-making power and financial resources closer to the people through their local governments. This approach has significantly improved service delivery in many areas. A key part of this is the allocation of 3.7% of the entire national budget directly to local governments for development projects. However, the Prime Minister acknowledged that serious regional disparities remain.
She specifically mentioned that areas like Karamoja, northern Uganda, and parts of eastern Uganda continue to face challenges. These challenges are seen in the unequal access to essential services like quality healthcare, education, and viable economic opportunities for the residents.
A major focus for the government is moving the remaining 33% of Ugandan households from a subsistence economy into the money economy. Over the next five years, the government will intensify its investment in wealth creation programs as outlined in the NRM manifesto and the new National Development Plan (NDP IV).
The Parish Development Model (PDM) remains the flagship program for this initiative. The Prime Minister shared detailed progress, noting that by 30th June 2025, a total of UGX 3.3 trillion had been transferred to 10,594 Parish SACCOs, directly reaching 2.63 million beneficiaries. These Ugandans are investing funds in various enterprises to boost household incomes, enhance food security, and create local jobs. For the current financial year, the government has provided an additional UGX 1.059 trillion to continue supporting the PDM.
The government’s future efforts will be guided by the National Development Plan IV (NDP IV), which aims for “Sustainable Industrialisation for Inclusive Growth, Employment and Wealth Creation.”
This plan prioritises strategic infrastructure development in roads, energy, and water to connect regions and support trade. Importantly, the NDP IV focusses on four critical sectors as engines for growth: Agro-Industrialisation, which involves adding value to our agricultural produce; Tourism Development; Mineral Development, including oil and gas; and Science, Technology, and Innovation. Investments in these areas are expected to accelerate balanced development across all regions.
The Prime Minister emphasised that building the capacity of local governments is a top priority. She listed several key actions, including supporting local governments to develop their own integrated regional development plans that meet their specific needs. This also includes training new local leaders after the 2026 general elections, constructing administrative offices where they are missing, and enhancing local revenue mobilisation.
Furthermore, the government will strengthen affirmative action in lagging regions and refugee-hosting communities. On the pressing issue of climate change, the government will invest in adaptive agricultural technologies, water harvesting, and climate-smart infrastructure, especially in drought-prone areas like Karamoja, to safeguard livelihoods and build resilient communities.
In conclusion, the government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the fruits of development reach every corner of Uganda. The Prime Minister promised that the government is also committed to implementing the Salary Enhancement Plan for both political leaders and technical staff in a phased manner. The ultimate goal, she stated, is to work together with unity and a shared vision to build a prosperous, peaceful, and inclusive Uganda where no one is left behind.