Vision 2040 unrealistic, opposition tells government

Politicians say the high levels of corruption and excessive Executive powers have rendered the population lack influence over national development.

Kampala

Opposition political parties have challenged the government’s Vision 2040, a plan said to transform Uganda from a peasant to middle income country, as ‘unrealistic’.

While discussing the plan in Kampala yesterday, the politicians said the current high levels of corruption and excessive Executive powers over national resources have rendered the population uninfluential towards national development.

But the National Planning Authority that fronted the plan insists that it is achievable.
“With a population growth rate of 3.2 per cent and fertility rate of 6.7 per cent, I do not see us achieving this target. If we do not control population growth, the resources we make will be eaten up”, Peoples Development Party president Abedi Bwanika said.

Uganda Federal Alliance president Beti Olive Kamya also did not have any kind words for the plan. “We first have to review our past 50 years before looking for a way forward. Our neighbours in Kenya have a vision 2030 that, for instance, has the Electoral Commission, Inspector General of Police and Chief Justices independent. They apply for jobs and not appointed by the president like us here,” she said.

The Minister of Information & Communication Technology, Dr Ruhakana Ruggunda, said the government is committed to fighting corruption and realising the plan. “Government is doing a lot to check corruption. Public Accounts Committee of Parliament is doing well in checking corruption. Last week, the Supreme Court saved billions that would have been paid to Alcon. Let us be patriotic and join the fight against corruption” he said.

Mr Kisamba Mugerwa, who chaired the meeting, called on the opposition politicians to believe and be ambassadors of the vision.

swandera@ug.nationmedia.com