Kyankwanzi — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has issued a strong warning to Members of Parliament against corruption, declaring it a direct threat to the country’s future, as he officially closed the 2026 NRM MPs retreat at the National Leadership Institute, Kyankwanzi.
“I do not want to hear of corruption in Parliament. If there is corruption in Parliament, how will you control others? You are the oversight body,” President Museveni said. “It will kill Uganda. It is suicide and must not be tolerated,” he added.
The week-long retreat, held under the theme of aligning leadership towards a “bold, qualitative leap” to a higher middle-income status, brought together NRM legislators and party-leaning Independents for ideological orientation and policy direction.
Liberation history and strategic grounding
Before the closing session, the President hosted MPs at Ngoma State Lodge, where he led them on a tour of his farm and surrounding historical sites linked to Uganda’s liberation struggle. “This place is very important for two reasons,” he said, recounting how the NRA, led by Caleb Akandwanaho Salim Saleh, captured Masindi Barracks in 1984.
“They had walked for many miles and attacked Masindi Barracks. We were monitoring through the radio, and I intercepted communications from [Dr Milton) Obote’s forces, saying they had been attacked and overrun,” he said. “I left at about 10:00 am and walked… later crossed into Kyankwanzi, where we linked up with Saleh’s force.”
He added that the government later acquired the land because of its historical and strategic importance. “That is why I always bring you here,” he noted, citing the area’s geography as ideal for reflection and ideological training.
Push for money economy intensifies
President Museveni reiterated his long-standing message on transitioning Ugandans from subsistence living to commercial production.
“By the time of independence, only about 9% of homesteads were in the money economy. The rest were producing just for the stomach,” he said. “Our message has always been that our people must enter the money economy.”
He highlighted the transformation in the cattle corridor, crediting the mindset change among farmers. “The cattle corridor has transformed because people changed their mindset and followed the message,” he said.
However, he urged the adoption of modern farming practices, particularly pasture improvement. “If you plant improved pasture on one square mile, you can keep up to 300 cows,” he advised.
Corruption and budget bribery concerns
The President revealed reports of bribery linked to budget processes, warning legislators against engaging in such practices.
“I have heard that some people demand money before passing budgets… This must stop,” he said. “If we hear that you are giving bribes to get office, you will be disqualified.”
He also emphasised proper use of government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM).
“This money we are sending to the people can change their lives if used properly,” he said, cautioning against reckless borrowing. “Do not rush to money lenders or banks because of pressure. Use the resources you have wisely.”
Leaders urged to uphold ideology and discipline
Vice President Jessica Alupo described the retreat as critical in shaping disciplined and ideologically grounded leadership. “We appreciate the commitment shown by the MPs throughout this retreat. It is important that leaders remain grounded in the ideology of the Movement as they serve the people,” she said.
She urged legislators to translate the training into tangible service delivery.
NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong presented resolutions adopted during the retreat, emphasising discipline and accountability.
“We commit to institutionalising a culture of discipline, accountability, and results-oriented leadership aligned to the NRM manifesto,” he said. “We reaffirm a zero-tolerance policy on corruption, inefficiency, and abuse of office.”
He added that MPs would align their work with national development priorities. “We have committed to aligning all our decisions with the National Development Plan IV… and supporting policies that expand access to affordable credit, markets, and infrastructure.”
“We shall promote value addition, export orientation, and import substitution as key drivers of Uganda’s transition to a higher middle-income economy.”
Nakaseke North MP Wilber Manyisa Ahebwa praised the President’s leadership and pledged continued support. “I thank you, Your Excellency, for the sacrifices you have made for this country,” he said. “This constituency gave you overwhelming support, and we remain committed to the Movement.”
