Kyankwanzi — President Yoweri Museveni has called on newly elected Members of Parliament to prioritise financial discipline, ideological clarity, and principled leadership as they prepare for service in the 12th Parliament.
Speaking on the third day of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders’ retreat at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, the President stressed that sound financial management is essential for both personal stability and effective public service.
“I was pleased to hear presentations by experts on personal financial management and wealth creation for leaders. These are crucial areas that you must take seriously,” President Museveni said.
He further cautioned legislators against ideological confusion, warning that it often leads to governance mistakes and political instability. “The future is bright, and everything is there, but you must be ideologically clear. If you are not, you will end up making mistakes. Always weigh your actions according to principles,” he said.
President Museveni attributed many political challenges, including disputes in party primaries, bribery, and arrests, to what he described as weak ideological grounding among leaders.
“All these mistakes, such as fighting in primaries, cheating, and arrests, are a result of ideological underdevelopment. Avoid shortcuts. If you take that route, you will fail. I appeal to you to practise principled politics,” he added.
He also emphasised the importance of long-term financial planning and self-reliance among public leaders. “Our financial independence is very important. You must plan from day one,” he emphasised.
During the retreat, experts delivered sessions on financial literacy and wealth creation, warning legislators against poor money management and lifestyle inflation.
Prof. Moses Muhwezi, Principal of Makerere University Business School, cautioned that many leaders fall victim to what he termed “sudden wealth syndrome.” “Lifestyle inflation is dangerous. As your income increases, your expenses also rise, which affects savings and investment,” Prof. Muhwezi said.
He advised MPs to prioritise investment and disciplined saving habits. “Income alone does not create wealth; it is investment that creates wealth. If you cannot make money while seated, you will work until you die,” he noted.
Another facilitator, Mr Arthur Kiwanuka, encouraged legislators to invest in sustainable sectors such as agriculture to build long-term financial resilience.
The retreat was attended by key government and party leaders, including Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, members of the NRM Central Executive Committee, newly elected MPs, and party-leaning independent legislators.