By: Melanie Aanyu

Locals across the country have expressed mixed reactions to the tenure of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party as it marks 37 years in power under the leadership of President Museveni.

Mr Museveni came into power on January 26, 1986, after leading a successful five-year liberation struggle under the then National Resistance Army (NRA) to restore democratic governance, rule of law and economic transformation based on the 10-point programme.

In Mbale, Mr Peter Rwandarugari, aka Ndeko Nangai, a businessman, said the government has achieved security and political stability.

Mr Ramathan Magambo, a resident of Mbale City, said the government has tried to create job opportunities through the establishment of factories in Mbale Industrial Park.

In Tororo District, Ms Stella Imukutet Echirya, a former LC5 chairperson, said the NRM government should be credited for empowering women and other special interest groups.

However, Mr Emmanuel Osuna, another local leader, said the NRM government has failed to strengthen monitoring and supervision of government projects to mitigate corruption.

Dr Dan Okello, a former Makerere University lecturer, however, said the NRM government had promised that Uganda was going to attain middle-income status by 2020, but this was not achieved.