KYANKWANZI — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called for full political and economic integration of the East African Community, saying regional prosperity can only be achieved through unified markets, policies, and infrastructure.
“We cannot achieve prosperity with fragmented markets, policies, and infrastructure,” the President said, adding: “The whole of the East African Community should move towards full integration.”
President Museveni made the remarks on the seventh day of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) retreat for newly elected Members of Parliament at the National Leadership Institute (NALI), where he also laid a foundation stone for the Gen. (Rtd) Caleb Akandwanaho (Salim Saleh) School of Research and the Walter Rodney Block.
Museveni Praises Gen. Saleh’s Liberation Role
The President hailed retired General Caleb Akandwanaho for what he described as sacrificing his youth to join the liberation struggle, calling him a symbol of patriotism and a role model for young Ugandans.
“People like Saleh should act as good examples to you young people to show you what patriotism means and how what you do can help your country,” Museveni said.
He recounted that Gen. Saleh joined the fight against Idi Amin in 1976 at the age of 16 after leaving school in Kako and travelling to Tanzania to join fellow fighters.
“Between 1979 and 1986, he did a lot of good work, especially during the 1981–1986 war. Saleh commanded many of the big battles, including Masindi, Kabamba, Masaka, and Kampala,” he said.
The President noted that after the war, Gen. Saleh shifted to wealth creation and development initiatives, particularly in agriculture and community transformation programmes.
New Research School to Promote Ideology and Integration
The planned research complex will focus on ideological training, Pan-African studies, and preservation of liberation history. According to NALI Director Okei Rukogota, the facility will advance “Musevenomics” and serve as a hub for research and ideological development.
The Head of Public Service, Lucy Nakyobe, said the government has introduced mandatory ideological training at NALI for all new public servants and senior officials to strengthen patriotism and discipline in public service.
She also warned that corruption in recruitment, procurement, and service delivery remains a serious threat, calling for stronger oversight and accountability mechanisms.
Health Sector Progress
Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng highlighted improvements in Uganda’s health sector, including expanded mental health services and progress in organ transplant surgeries at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
She said over 12 transplant procedures have been successfully conducted, with all recipients and donors reportedly in stable condition, and emphasised prevention as key to reducing disease burden.
Anti-Corruption Warning
President Museveni also issued a stern warning to corrupt officials, saying those involved would face decisive action.
“The corrupt are now in danger and will be dealt with. You cannot underestimate us. You will see what will happen,” he said, urging MPs to reject bribery and uphold integrity.
He warned that legislators who engage in corruption risk losing their seats, insisting that the government will not tolerate graft.
The retreat continues to bring together NRM leaders and policymakers to discuss governance, discipline, and Uganda’s long-term development agenda.
