By Jumah Kakomo
The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has raised concerns over the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) claim of 84% progress in implementing its 2021-2026 manifesto, accusing the government of overstating its achievements. The party argues that despite the government’s claims, key challenges persist in areas like job creation, education, and healthcare.
During the launch of the Manifesto Accountability Week 2024 on November 15, government officials presented the 84% implementation figure, emphasizing improvements in job creation, education, healthcare, and national integration.
However, UPC spokesperson Arach Oyat Sharon criticized the report, pointing out the continued struggles of Uganda’s youth who are facing unemployment and inadequate access to education. She also highlighted the government’s failure to address the lack of quality medical care in public hospitals.
“The reality on the ground tells a different story,” Sharon said, stressing that Uganda’s energetic youth are either unemployed or migrating abroad for low-paying jobs, often at great personal and family costs. She also raised alarm over the high dropout rates in the education system, questioning the long-term sustainability of the government’s education reforms.
UPC’s head of media and communications, Faizo Muzeyi, echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the country’s healthcare system remains underfunded and unable to meet the needs of citizens, with many directed to expensive private healthcare options.
The UPC party has called for greater transparency, accountability, and focus from the government to address these critical gaps and ensure that the country’s resources are directed towards sustainable and equitable development.
