Ministers should articulate tangible achievements, not display dancing skills at rallies

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OPINION

By Ismail Kibedi

In Uganda, political rallies have often become more of entertainment shows than platforms for serious discourse. It is not unusual to see ministers take to the stage not to present policy outcomes or development milestones, but to showcase their dancing skills. While this may temporarily excite crowds, it ultimately does a disservice to the electorate, many of whom are hungry for information on what the government has achieved and what it plans to deliver.

Ugandans do not go to rallies to see ministers dance. They want answers. They want hope. They want jobs, better roads, affordable healthcare, quality education, and functioning hospitals. Dancing might lighten the mood, but it does not fix potholes or lower food prices. In truth, many Ugandans dance far better than the ministers; they don’t need a spectacle; they need substance.

Instead of rehearsing dance moves, ministers should prepare to articulate the government’s achievements, real, measurable progress that has improved lives. There is, in fact, a lot that has been done in recent years that could strengthen public confidence if properly communicated.

Uganda’s road network has significantly expanded in the last decade. According to the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), the total paved road network grew from 3,000 kilometres in 2010 to over 6,000 kilometres by 2023. Key projects such as the Entebbe Expressway, the Kampala Flyover, and the ongoing expansion of the Northern Bypass are evidence that government investment in infrastructure is bearing fruit.

Uganda's ICT sector has grown rapidly. The government’s Digital Uganda Vision aims to integrate ICT into all areas of life. Over 80% of government services are now online, including passport applications and land title processing. The National Backbone Infrastructure (NBI) has connected over 600 government sites with high-speed internet. Rural internet access is expanding too, with more ICT hubs supporting youth and innovation.

This is what the people should hear: how digital tools are improving service delivery and economic opportunity.

Rural electrification has also improved, with many trading centres now connected to the national grid. That’s a story worth telling at rallies, not shaking hips on stage.

As the backbone of Uganda’s economy, agriculture has seen investment through programs like the Agriculture Cluster Development Project (ACDP) and Operation Wealth Creation (OWC). More farmers now access improved seeds, fertilisers, and market information. Coffee exports hit record highs in 2022, and irrigation schemes have been scaled up in dry regions. Ministers should explain how farmers can benefit, not jump on stage and dance while the real backbone of Uganda remains unheard.

The rollout of Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) has allowed millions of Ugandan children from poor backgrounds to attend school. According to the Ministry of Education, net enrolment in primary schools has remained above 90%, a significant achievement in expanding access to education.

Moreover, government-aided technical and vocational institutes across the country have provided alternative skills training, helping to fight youth unemployment.

In the health sector, maternal mortality has been on the decline due to government efforts in constructing and upgrading health centres. The Ministry of Health reports that 150 health centres were upgraded between 2016 and 2021. The construction of regional hospitals like Kawempe and Kiruddu in Kampala and the distribution of ambulances to remote districts have made healthcare more accessible.

These achievements are what the common man wants to hear about, not staged dances by officials.

The implementation of the Parish Development Model is aimed at transforming subsistence households into the money economy. With over sh1 trillion allocated, the PDM, if implemented with integrity, could be a game-changer for rural Uganda.

Instead of entertaining crowds, ministers should be explaining how these funds are being used, how people can benefit, and what measures are in place to prevent corruption.

Uganda’s public service has seen notable reforms. The introduction of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll System (IPPS) has reduced ghost workers and improved efficiency. Customer Service Charters in ministries are being enforced to improve accountability.

At rallies, people want to know: When will the health centre near them get more staff? When will their children’s school be stocked with learning materials? These are the questions that matter.

The average Ugandan is struggling with high fuel prices, limited job opportunities, poor service delivery, and inflation that eats away at their income. They attend rallies hoping to hear how their lives will improve, not to be spectators at a ministerial dance performance.

If these officials want genuine support, they must treat the electorate with respect by communicating policy impacts, listening to concerns, and answering tough questions. Empty rhetoric and dramatic entrances may excite crowds for a day, but results and sincerity build trust that lasts a lifetime.

Let rallies become forums for truth, accountability, and vision, not circus stages. Ministers should leave the dancing to musicians and cultural troupes, and instead focus on explaining what their ministries have delivered and what the government plans to do. Uganda deserves better than a show. it deserves leadership.

The writer is a Principal National Guidance Officer, Parliament Liaison Officer for ICT & NG