Under the overall theme of “What is Acceptable in a Free and Democratic Society”, the first conference of United Democratic Ugandans (UDU) took place at Boston College (USA) on October 8, 2011 – on the eve of Uganda’s independence anniversary. The National Recovery Plan (NRP) was presented as an alternative to the failed policies of NRM, noting that since the official termination of the failed structural adjustment program (SAP) the government is at a loss about what to do next. The National Development Plan adopted in 2009 to replace the abandoned structural adjustment program has not taken off yet.
Without exception all commentators in formal and informal conversations praised the NRP for its high quality and relevance to Uganda’s current situation. The question was “What are the next steps”.
In a “Question and Answer” session ably presided over by Prof. Aloysius Lugira, Eric Kashambuzi, principal author of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) advised that the immediate next steps will focus on the elaboration of recommendations in the Plan by developing policy briefs that will be used to market the plan at home and abroad. Kashambuzi also noted that NRM development priorities will be rearranged with a focus on agriculture and rural development, manufacturing enterprises beginning with processing of agricultural produce to add value, create jobs, reduce waste and prolong the life of products. Micro, small and medium enterprises that create jobs and distribute wealth more equitably will be promoted. Infrastructure in the form of roads, railways and affordable energy will receive priority attention. The issues of corruption and sectarianism which have become a major constraint to Uganda’s development will be addressed on a priority basis in the post-NRM government. Above all Uganda’s development will not only be participatory and sustainable but will also tap into local knowledge and regional endowments.
Regarding regional cooperation, Kashambuzi observed that Uganda will ensure that it records net benefits such as in the field of trade and some areas such as land ownership will be treated separately. It will also take short term measures to protect ‘infant’ domestic manufacturing enterprises in the event of unfair competition within the framework of World Trade Organization (WTO). Lessons from the failed East African Community (1967-1977) will also be taken into account.
With completion of UDU constitution and bylaws that dominated the first three months of UDU’s existence, UDU committee needs to be restructured to focus attention on the NRP. More professional staff on long and short term basis will be needed such as development economists, manufacturing and agriculture and rural development experts, urban planners to address the worsening slum conditions and environmentalists to reverse the deteriorating ecological conditions. Gender and youth sectors will also receive more attention than at present in terms of empowering them to gain full participation in Uganda’s economic, social and political sectors.
Social sectors such as education, healthcare with emphasis on public health (preventing disease and promoting health) and food and nutrition security as well as housing will also receive more attention than hitherto.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and Community-based organizations (CSOs) will participate more actively than before in designing and implementing development strategies and programs drawn up in light of local endowments and priorities. The role of the state will also need to be refocused within the overall framework of public and private partnership. Not least development partners will be called upon to lend a helping hand in reorienting Uganda’s economy onto a path of sustained, equitable and sustainable development.
Eric Kashambuzi
Secretary-General,UDU