Politics 10 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Restoring Constitutionalism and Efficient Public Service: Low-Cost Paths to Real Ugandan Development
As President Museveni starts his seventh term in 2026, a commentary urges the NRM to prioritize constitutionalism, rule of law, and public service efficiency to convert economic growth into tangible improvements for citizens, without needing massive funding. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/letters/rule-of-law-and-an-efficient-public-service-don-t-need-billions-to-fix-5418758
Uganda faces a pivotal moment as President Yoweri Museveni begins his new term in May 2026. Despite boasting 6-8% GDP growth, rising economic activity, and oil prospects, many citizens experience poor service delivery, including mothers giving birth on hospital floors, crumbling classrooms, potholed roads, slow courts, and unresponsive public servants.
The distinction between economic growth—measured by GDP and output—and true development, which enhances quality of life, remains stark. To bridge this, the opinion piece highlights three achievable priorities: strengthening constitutionalism, upholding the rule of law, and injecting private-sector efficiency into public services.
Constitutionalism has been undermined, treated more as a flexible tool than a binding contract. Yet, with political will, the NRM can revive it, fostering fair sharing of economic gains and real-life improvements.
The rule of law ensures consistent application of laws, safeguarding property rights and contracts. Investors thrive under predictable rules, not arbitrary interference, spurring job creation and sustained growth.
Public servants often exhibit complacency, arriving late, prioritizing side hustles, and lacking accountability or citizen focus. Transforming this into competent, responsible service would directly boost living standards.
These reforms demand no billions—just discipline, accountability, and courage. They offer a chance to turn paper statistics into prosperity, moving beyond rhetoric on poor hospitals, corruption, and weak delivery.
Will the 2026-2031 term deliver real change? Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)