President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially launched Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), ushering in what the government calls a new era of industrial transformation, inclusive wealth creation, and resilience-building for the country.
The much-anticipated launch took place during the State of the Nation Address 2025 (SONA25) at Kololo Independence Grounds, with top government officials, lawmakers, diplomats, and development partners in attendance.
The Fourth National Development Plan (2025/26 – 2029/30) marks Uganda’s continued journey toward its Vision 2040 goals. Unlike previous plans that focused heavily on infrastructure, NDP IV places sharp emphasis on economic diversification, agro-industrialization, digitization, and climate resilience.
At the heart of the plan is a goal to supercharge private sector-led growth, targeting job creation especially among youth and women, and ensuring equitable development across all regions of Uganda.
“When the NRM came to power in 1986, Uganda’s GDP was only UGX 42 billion (USD 3.9 billion). Today, it stands at UGX 224.9 trillion (USD 60 billion). This is a 15-fold growth in dollar terms.”
“Life expectancy has increased from 45 years in 1986 to 63 years today. Literacy rates have jumped from 43% to 80%. These are not mere statistics, they represent lives changed through deliberate effort.”
The president highlighted plans to establish regional industrial parks, expand access to cheap financing through the Uganda Development Bank, and push for mass skilling of young Ugandans in high-demand sectors.
Despite the fanfare, opposition voices remain skeptical. Joel Ssenyonyi, the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, quickly responded via X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“NDP I, II, and III were grand, but implementation has failed due to corruption and political interference. What makes this one different?”
However, Museveni emphasized the increase in domestic revenues and transformation amidst challenges of sanctions from European countries.
“Our domestic revenue now stands at UGX 31.982 trillion. While this is an improvement, we can and must do more to collect what is due, without hurting businesses.”
“We are rationalizing government expenditures by removing non-essential spending, merging agencies, and improving coordination between ministries and local governments.”
“Our journey of transformation has stood the test of time because it is built on a strong ideological foundation of patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy.”
“The NRM is like the wise builder in Matthew 7:24, our foundation is rock solid. Whatever storms come, Uganda will not collapse, because we have built with vision, sacrifice, and truth.”
“Our historical mission is to make Uganda a modern, secure, industrialized nation rooted in self-reliance, dignity, and shared wealth for all her citizens.”
“No matter the sanctions or pressures, Uganda will defend its interests. Our partnership with others must be based on mutual respect and shared prosperity, not intimidation.”
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