KYANKWANZI, Uganda — President Yoweri Museveni has called on newly elected members of Uganda’s ruling party to prioritise accountability and confront corruption as they begin their legislative term.
Addressing National Resistance Movement (NRM) MPs at the Kyankwanzi retreat, a long-standing political training forum, Museveni warned that misuse of public resources threatens key government programmes and undermines national development efforts.
The President stressed that effective leadership requires more than political loyalty, urging legislators to develop a deeper understanding of governance principles.
“A follower may support some aspects of the movement without going deep into its beliefs, but a leader must understand ideology, philosophy and strategy,” he said.
He described the Kyankwanzi retreat as a platform for leaders to analyse societal challenges and develop practical solutions, likening it to a diagnostic space for governance.
Museveni reiterated that Uganda’s economic progress depends on productivity rather than dependency.
“Prosperity does not come from begging or corruption. Every adult must produce a good or a service and earn from it,” he said.
He identified commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services and ICT as priority sectors, aligning with national policy frameworks such as Uganda Vision 2040 and the Third National Development Plan.
Recent economic data appears to support the government’s outlook. Uganda’s private sector activity expanded in March 2026, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index rising to 54.3, above the 50-point threshold that signals growth, indicating increased business activity and demand.
The President cautioned against sectarianism, arguing that divisions based on ethnicity or religion weaken markets and national cohesion.
“If we emphasize religion and tribes, some of your products will not be bought. That is why we said we should love Uganda first.”
He reaffirmed the NRM’s ideological pillars, patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation and democracy, as central to Uganda’s long-term strategy.
Museveni linked Uganda’s development agenda to broader regional and continental integration efforts, including the East African Community and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“Integration means strength. Fragmentation means weakness,” Museveni said, emphasising the importance of expanded markets for sustainable growth.
Corruption dominated the President’s address, with particular focus on its impact on flagship programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM).
“If you are corrupt, you waste government resources and become a bad example. I will not tolerate corruption; it diverts us from our mission,” he warned.
His remarks come amid rising concern over accountability. Police data from the 2025 annual crime report recorded at least 389 cases linked to PDM-related corruption, highlighting persistent gaps at local levels.
The retreat, attended by more than 350 MPs-elect, also provided a platform for lawmakers to raise grassroots issues.
Justine Nameere, Masaka City Woman MP, highlighted alleged theft of medicines in public health facilities.
“We don’t know where the medicines disappear to. Sometimes only basic painkillers are available,” she said.
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Museveni responded with a firm commitment to address such concerns.
“Corruption, including the theft of drugs in government hospitals, shall be tackled very seriously in this new term.”
Vice President Jessica Alupo, who chaired the session, described the retreat as a key moment for aligning MPs with party priorities.
NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong said a post-election performance review would be presented to guide future strategy.
Museveni congratulated the legislators on their electoral success but acknowledged internal shortcomings within the party.
“We could have done more if we got rid of some weaknesses,” he said, urging leaders to reflect critically on their performance.
The Kyankwanzi retreat remains a central mechanism for shaping the legislative agenda and reinforcing the ruling party’s governance approach as Uganda prepares for the 12th Parliament.
