Has NRM lived up to the Ten-Point Programme?

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) government led by President Museveni came to power on January 26, 1986, with a liberalism agenda dubbed the Ten-Point Programme aimed at addressing Uganda's socio-economic and political challenges after years of turmoil and conflict. However, 39 years later, one wonders if the Mr Museveni and his government have lived up to what they promised Ugandans under this programme. 

The NRM promised to restore democracy through the promulgation of the 1995 Constitution, with much focus on promoting decentralisation, holding of regular free and fair elections, upholding rule of law, and observance of human rights, among others. While multiple elections have taken place since 1996, questions still linger on the peaceful transition of power in Uganda for the position of the President. Opposition groups, the civil society, Judiciary and international observers have often raised concerns about the fairness of these elections. 

In fact, all the presidential elections since 2001 have been challenged in the supreme court of Uganda. Much as President Museveni has come out victorious in all these elections and court petitions, the Supreme Court has often pointed out that elections have been tainted with such irregularities that wouldn’t qualify them as free and fair. It is worth noting that most of these irregularities have benefited President Museveni. Rule of law is another area where we can examine NRM’s scorecard, it demands that people in positions of authority should exercise their power within the framework of the law other than arbitrary ad-hoc manner based on individual preferences and ideologies. 

The government should be accountable to the citizens and in case of any conflict between the government and the people, the law shall prevail. Several cases underpin NRM score on the rule of law, examples include the constant allegations of torture, arbitrary arrests and killings of critics of the government by State agents. The recent arrest and detention of Mr Eron Kiiza, one of the lawyers for Dr Kizza Besigye, who is facing charges at the General Court Martial, is another case that gives a clear picture of the rule by law that we have in Uganda. Many observers have asked whether we are being led by rule of law or ruled by law. 

Furthermore, the NRM government has consistently championed national unity and sought to eliminate sectarianism and promote patriotism, but the persistence of tribalism, regionalism, and ethnic favouritism largely in public institutions continue to undermine these efforts. 

The appointment of individuals in key political and economic positions often sparks allegations of ethnic bias, revealing that the battle against sectarianism remains incomplete. The NRM has pursued a liberalised private-sector-driven economy, which has led to steady growth. However, the benefits of this growth have not been evenly distributed. Economic disparities persist, with a significant portion of the population still living in unfathomable poverty. The reliance on foreign aid and investment raises questions about the independence of Uganda’s economy. 

Corruption remains the worst score for the NRM government, a pervasive issue in Uganda, which has undermined the NRM’s efforts to build a transparent, trusted and accountable government. High-profile corruption scandals and the misuse of public funds have eroded public trust in the government. Despite the establishment of several anti-corruption institutions, enforcement remains weak, and impunity among corrupt officials persists. 

This have often led to sanctions of individuals by USA and UK governments, badly tainting the image of Uganda at the international level. While the NRM government has made some progress in implementing its Ten Point Programme, significant challenges and shortcomings remain. As NRM leaders flock to Mubende where the national celebrations for the 39th anniversary of the NRM liberation struggle will be held, NRM’s legacy continues to erode and will need more than fresh minds in leadership from top to bottom to make the day relevant. 

The author, Moses Kayz Osiya is a lawyer and businessman
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