By Spy Uganda
Kampala: President Yoweri Museveni, in his capacity as the National Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has unveiled the NRM Manifesto drafting committee urging it to address the export promotion and import substitution strategy in the real economy that deals with nine basic human needs.
The committee comprises of Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, an economist, as the Chairperson, Hon. Richard Todwong, the NRM Deputy Secretary General as Vice Chairperson. Other members include Gen.Salim Saleh Akandwanaho, freedom fighter and businessman (coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation -OWC), Hon. Bernard Mulengani, an economist (NRM Secretariat) Eng. Dr. Lule Ivan, industrial chemist (National Planning Authority), Hon. Lugolobi Amos, economist (Parliament), Dr. Goobi Ramathan, economist (Operation Wealth Creation), Eng. Musasizi Paul (Kiira Motors), Mr. Magoola Mathias, Chemist (Private Sector), Eng. Nakazibwe Safina, Engineer (State House), Ms. Joseline Kateba, economist (Crest Foam – UMA), Mr. Fred Kitaka Mutebi, scientist (Quality Chemicals – UMA), Ms. Orishaba Joanita, food scientist,(Uganda Research Institute and Dr. Achaye Innocent (Lecturer, Gulu University).
Museveni said like in previous manifestos, the one of 2021-2026 will further push forward the implementation of the four NRM principles of Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-economic transformation and democracy, plus other policy measures.
“The prevailing peace and security ushered in by the NRM has laid a strong foundation for the private sector to thrive. This enabling environment has led in accelerated and sustained growth. However, there are still bottlenecks to achieving an integrated and self-sustaining economy,” he said.
These, he said, include the cost of money for agriculture, industry and some of the growing energy giving services sectors like tourism. Others include transport costs (railway, Water and Roads), cost of electricity, cost and availability of water for production and the cost of ICT to tap into the services sector.
“The private sector is a critical player in the economic growth and development of an economy and is the engine for job creation, increased production, productivity, value addition and a national revenue base of the economy,” he said.
