Won Ateker Papa Me Kumam, His Highness Raphael Otaya, cites major gains in roads, universities, life expectancy, and GDP since 1986
As Uganda prepares for President Yoweri Museveni’s swearing-in for a seventh term, the cultural leader of the Kumam people has delivered a strong endorsement of the country’s trajectory, praising “remarkable growth” across infrastructure, healthcare, education, and the economy since the National Resistance Movement (NRM) took power in 1986.
In an address ahead of the inauguration ceremony, Won Ateker Papa Me Kumam, His Highness Raphael Otaya, recalled Museveni’s famous declaration at his first swearing-in – that the NRM victory was “not a mere change of guard, but a fundamental change” – and argued that the intervening four decades have proven that promise.
Economic and Social Gains
Otaya pointed to Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which he said had expanded from approximately $3.9 billion in 1986 to between $64 billion and $66.6 billion in 2025.
He also noted that life expectancy had risen dramatically – from 45–46 years in 1986 to roughly 68 years today – while the national population had grown from an estimated 13.6 million to a projected 52.8 million by 2026, which he described as a sign of improved living standards.
Roads, Universities, and Schools
The cultural leader highlighted road infrastructure as one of the most visible transformations. In 1986, paved roads covered only 1,000–1,900 kilometres. Today, Uganda boasts:
· More than 20,000 km of national roads
· Nearly 20,000 km of urban roads
· Over 36,000 km of district roads
· Close to 80,000 km of community access roads
Otaya also noted that water transport, which had largely collapsed in 1986, had been revived through ferry services operated by the Uganda National Roads Authority, alongside private motorboats and cargo vessels.
In education, Uganda had only one university (Makerere University) in 1986 – but now has more than 40 public and private universities. Secondary schools have grown from just over 500 to more than 5,000, while primary schools increased from about 5,000 to approximately 52,000 nationwide, most of them privately owned.
Healthcare and Livestock
Otaya said infant mortality rates had declined significantly, though he did not provide specific figures. He cited Uganda Bureau of Statistics data showing livestock production had expanded sharply: cattle numbers rose from 3 million in 1986 to 14.5 million in 2021, with substantial increases also recorded for goats, sheep, pigs, and rabbits.
A Call for Continuity
The Kumam leader concluded that the achievements of the last four decades demonstrate sustained national progress under Museveni’s leadership.
“Uganda has witnessed remarkable growth,” Otaya said, wishing the President success as he seeks a seventh term.
His remarks add to a growing chorus of traditional and cultural leaders who have publicly backed the NRM government’s long tenure, citing stability and development as key reasons for continued support.
