Museveni Warns MPs on Corruption at Kyankwanzi Retreat

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has opened a week-long retreat for National Resistance Movement (NRM) Members of Parliament, warning that corruption remains a major threat to government programmes and national development.

The retreat, held at the National Leadership Institute Kyankwanzi, brings together newly elected NRM legislators and party-leaning independents for ideological orientation and policy direction ahead of the 12th Parliament.

Museveni congratulated the MPs on their election victory but challenged them to address existing weaknesses within the movement.

“First of all, I congratulate all of you for winning the elections. I also congratulate the NRM and its members in the country for delivering a big victory, although we could have done more if we got rid of some weaknesses,” he said.

He urged the legislators to transition from followers to leaders by deepening their understanding of the party’s ideology, philosophy, and strategy.

“You are now not only followers of the NRM but leaders. A follower may support some aspects of the movement without going deep into its beliefs, but a leader must understand the ideology, philosophy and strategy,” Museveni said.

The President described the Kyankwanzi retreat as a platform for sharpening leadership capacity and equipping MPs to address national challenges.

He emphasized that economic prosperity must be driven by productivity rather than dependency or corruption.

“Prosperity does not come from begging or corruption. Every adult must produce a good or a service and earn from it,” he said.

Museveni cautioned against identity politics, warning that it undermines markets and economic growth. He instead called for patriotism and regional integration.

“Integration means strength. Fragmentation means weakness,” he said.

He outlined the NRM’s core ideological pillars as patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy. He said these principles are critical to Uganda’s long-term stability and Africa’s broader development.

On corruption, Museveni issued a strong warning, citing concerns over misuse of funds under the Parish Development Model.

“If you are corrupt, you not only waste government resources but also become a bad example. I will not tolerate corruption,” he said.

During an interaction session, Masaka City Woman MP Justine Nameere raised concerns about corruption in the health sector, including drug stock-outs in government facilities.

Museveni responded by pledging decisive action.

“Corruption, including the theft of drugs in government hospitals, shall be tackled very seriously in the new term,” he said.

Vice President Jessica Alupo, who chaired the session, described the retreat as a key platform for guiding leaders. Richard Todwong said the meeting would also review the party’s electoral performance.