The Uganda People's Congress (UPC) has called on the government to take bold and decisive actions in reviving key public corporations to accelerate the country’s socio-economic development.
Speaking to the media in Kampala, Sharon Arach Oyat, the UPC spokesperson, welcomed the transition of electricity distribution from UMEME Limited to the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL).
However, she stressed that this shift comes after years of economic missteps under the National Resistance Movement (NRM), which dismantled and privatized critical public enterprises that were once the bedrock of Uganda's economy.
Oyat pointed out that the NRM's decision to privatize vital state-owned entities such as Uganda Electricity Board (UEB), Uganda Railways Corporation (URC), Uganda Airlines, and Uganda Commercial Bank (UCB) has had far-reaching consequences.
She argued that these privatizations were influenced by policies prescribed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, including the Structural Adjustment Program (SAP), which UPC claims was implemented without adequate consideration of the country’s long-term development needs.
“The NRM’s approach disrupted the country’s development and significantly harmed the livelihoods of Ugandans,” said Oyat.
“Public corporations such as Uganda Airlines were sold off, while others like the Uganda Cooperative Movement were dismantled, which has limited the capacity of citizens to fully engage in the economy,” she added.
Oyat also criticized the removal of key agricultural subsidies that once supported local farmers, as well as the collapse of marketing boards, which she believes have negatively impacted Uganda's trade relations with neighboring countries.
She contended that these policies have left the average Ugandan with few opportunities to succeed in a free-market economy, where only the wealthiest thrive.
She also highlighted the issue of soaring interest rates in the banking sector, which have jumped from 3-5% to over 20%, further burdening the average Ugandan citizen.
As the government takes control of electricity distribution through UEDCL, Oyat stressed that this move must be accompanied by widespread electrification of both urban and rural areas to make electricity more affordable for all citizens.
She emphasized that such initiatives are crucial for addressing climate change and promoting environmental sustainability.
Oyat called for a mixed economic model that combines bold state intervention with market forces to improve the welfare of all Ugandans.
She urged a return to visionary leadership and policies that prioritize the needs of the people.