RUGUNDA-NRM STILL OPTIMISTIC ON MIDDLE INCOME STATUS

By Our Reporter

www.mknewslink.com

In Kampala

Prime Minister Rt. Hon Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda has said that NRM Government is still on track to achieving its ultimate objective which is to deliver Uganda to middle income status.

The Minister noted that there has been tremendous progress in infrastructural development, the energy sector, social services, education and Agriculture when he was officially launching the National Budget Week at Kololo this afternoon.

This is in spite of the fact that government has previously written off of the prospects of hitting this status by the year 2020.

“In this infrastructure drive, the national paved road network that has increased from 3050 km (14.66%) in 2008 to 4551 km (21.1%) of the national road network in 2017/18,” he said.

Minister said that in the energy sector, total installed electricity capacity is now 1200MW with the coming on board of Isimba (183MW) and Nyamwamba (9.2MW), Nkusi (9.6MW) and Waki (4.8MW) mini hydro power plants. This will contribute towards industrialization and job creation.

Furthermore, the premier said that Government has managed to universalize primary and post primary education and over 92% of parishes that have Government aided schools and literacy rates have increased by 74% among persons aged 10 years and above.

On health, Rugunda said the sector has increased universal health coverage with essential health needed services for promotion of healthy and productive life.

“Malaria prevalence among Children less than 5 years of age has significantly reduced by 30%; antiretroviral therapy has improved from 73% to 86% contributing significantly to treatment of HIV and reduction in mother to child transmission,”

At the launch, Different Government ministries departments and agencies showcased their products and services that they offer.

The event was organized by ministry of finance planning and economic development, URA and civil society advocacy group (CSBAG).

The event commenced with a walk from the constitutional square to Kololo ceremonial grounds.

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