The Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Richard Todwong, has described the ruling party’s new manifesto as a continuation of a deliberate and systematic journey of transformation, rooted in the NRM’s historical mission of peace, prosperity, and socio-economic development.
Todwong made the remarks during the launch of the 2026–2031 manifesto at Speke Resort Hotel in Munyonyo, where President Yoweri Museveni, the party’s chairman and presidential flag bearer, officially unveiled the manifesto to his supporters.
Todwong underscored that a manifesto is not just a political tool but a binding social contract between a party and the people.
He stressed that Ugandans always vote for a vision that speaks to their interests, which is why the NRM takes time to study the needs and aspirations of the masses before drafting its commitments.
“In drafting our manifestos, we always remind ourselves of the historical missions of the party, which stand on strategic peace, prosperity for Uganda and Africa, and socio-economic transformation,” he said.
He emphasised that the NRM’s philosophy is built on four key pillars—patriotism, pan-Africanism, social-economic transformation, and democracy—principles that have guided the party from the movement system to its formalisation as a political party in 2006.
Recalling earlier themes, such as Prosperity for All in 2006 and Securing the Future in 2021, Todwong pointed to the consistency and intentionality of the NRM’s messaging and delivery over the years.
“The NRM has been intentional and systematic. Our manifestos are not empty promises; they are statements of intent backed by progress that every Ugandan can feel and see,” Todwong said.
He highlighted notable achievements, including the decline in poverty levels from 21.4 percent in 2016 to 16.1 percent in 2025, an improvement in life expectancy from 45 years in 1986 to 68 years today, and a literacy rate that has risen from 43 percent in 1986 to 74 percent by 2024.
Todwong, however, admitted that challenges remain, especially the need to move 33 percent of households still engaged in subsistence farming into the money economy.
He pledged that the new manifesto, themed Protecting the Gains as We Make Qualitative Leaps into Higher Middle-Income Status, would address such gaps while consolidating past successes.
President Museveni’s manifesto, which was launched at the same ceremony, sets out a comprehensive agenda for the next five years, anchored on seven focus areas: peace, development, wealth creation, services, ICT, markets, and strategic security. According to Todwong, these commitments reaffirm the NRM’s vision to sustain peace and stability while steering Uganda toward prosperity and resilience.
As the NRM prepares for the 2026 general elections, Todwong reiterated that transparency and accountability will remain the hallmarks of the party’s leadership.
“Our responsibility is to protect what has been achieved while ensuring that no Ugandan is left behind on the path to transformation,” he said.