Uganda's President Museveni: Did 2025 State of the Nation Pledges Materialize?

One year after President Yoweri Museveni delivered his State of the Nation Address (SONA) in 2025, Daily Monitor has reviewed the performance of at least 15 significant pledges made during that speech. The address, a constitutional requirement, typically outlines the nation’s socio-economic and political status and future government priorities.

In the 2025 address, the President committed to accelerating economic growth, boosting investments in the oil and gas sector with a target of “first oil out by this year,” and enhancing national security. He also emphasized the Parish Development Model (PDM) as a tool to combat poverty and promote value addition for increased export earnings.

Economically, the pledge to grow Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) tenfold to $500 billion by 2040 from $50 billion in 2023 appears distant. While the GDP reached $66.9 billion last June, the growth over the past year has been marginal, significantly below the required annual expansion rate. Progress on key infrastructure projects like the Wadelai Irrigation Scheme and planned medium-scale irrigation projects also shows delays.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows were estimated at $3.8 billion for the June 2025-May 2026 period, with tourism and diaspora remittances projected at $1.5 billion and $1.4 billion respectively. While the Uganda Development Bank reported $3.57 billion in FDI by June last year, recent trends suggest a decline in FDI and remittances. Tourism earnings have seen an increase, but the recent Ebola outbreak poses a threat to the sector.

Regarding mineral development, a pledge to capitalize the National Mining Company with Shs500 billion over five years to secure government equity in mining operations has seen no clear disbursement of funds in the past year. Similarly, ambitious plans to boost electricity generation capacity through new hydropower and a potential nuclear power plant are facing significant hurdles, with projects like the Ayago dam not yet commenced and others at feasibility study stage.

In security, while Uganda’s military continues operations in the DRC, domestic security saw an IED blast in June 2025. However, no further incidents have occurred, and counter-terrorism efforts are ongoing. Welfare improvements for security forces are planned, with salary increments for soldiers and police due in July 2026, alongside new accommodation projects.

The oil and gas sector shows considerable progress, with oil projects reaching up to 80% completion, though the target of “first oil” by July remains uncertain despite significant infrastructure development, including the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).

On infrastructure, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project has not yet commenced construction, pending feasibility studies, though the World Bank has committed funding. Road upgrades, while progressing, have fallen short of the 789-kilometer target for surfaced roads in the past year, with delays attributed to procurement and contractor performance.

https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/did-museveni-fulfil-2025-sona-pledges—5485716