President Museveni has issued a stern warning to NRM MPs, stating he does not want to hear of any more corruption scandals involving Parliament.
In a high-stakes address that has sent ripples through the corridors of power, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has issued a definitive ultimatum to the newly elected National Resistance Movement (NRM) Members of Parliament. Speaking at the official opening of a week-long leadership retreat at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi on April 8, 2026, the President made it clear that the 12th Parliament will not be a sanctuary for those seeking to enrich themselves at the expense of the taxpayer.
“I do not want to hear of any more corruption scandals involving Parliament,” the President warned, describing corruption as a form of “cowardice” and a “moral failure” that threatens to derail Uganda’s mission toward socio-economic transformation.
The “Seminary” of Leadership: Setting the Tone at Kyankwanzi
The retreat, themed around aligning NRM leadership toward protecting national gains, served as a “seminary” for ideological sharpening. Museveni’s speech was less of a congratulatory address and more of a rigorous “diagnosis” of the state of the party and the nation.
Addressing the legislators, many of whom are fresh faces in the 12th Parliament, Museveni distinguished between mere followers and true leaders. He noted that while a follower may support the party superficially, a leader must master the ideology, philosophy, and strategy of the NRM. Central to this mastery, he argued, is the total rejection of shortcuts and “begging” in favor of honest production.
Corruption: The “Dangerous Diversion”
The President’s stern warning comes on the heels of several controversies that have shadowed the legislative arm in recent years. From budget padding allegations to the mismanagement of the Parish Development Model (PDM) funds, public trust in government institutions has faced significant tests.
1. The Threat to Service Delivery
Museveni highlighted that corruption is not a victimless crime. He cited specific complaints regarding the misuse of PDM funds—a flagship program designed to lift 39% of Ugandans out of the subsistence economy into the money economy. “If you are corrupt, you not only waste government resources but also become a bad example,” he cautioned.
2. Theft of Drugs in Public Hospitals
Responding to concerns raised by Justine Nameere, the Masaka City Woman MP, regarding drug stock-outs in government facilities, Museveni promised firm action. He acknowledged that while infrastructure and personnel have improved, the “disappearance” of medicines remains a critical bottleneck that will be tackled “very seriously” in this new term (Kisanja).
3. The “Pardon” Controversy
The retreat also saw the President address the sensitive issue of lawmakers who had previously faced corruption charges. In a move that has sparked debate among governance analysts, Museveni clarified that certain prosecution cases were discontinued after the accused asked for a pardon. However, he balanced this by reiterating that such leniency would not be a permanent feature of his administration, urging MPs to act as “clean brooms” to sweep away the rot in their respective constituencies.
The Four Pillars and Strategic Security
To steer the MPs away from the temptations of office, the President redirected their focus toward the NRM’s four ideological pillars:
- Patriotism: Prioritizing the nation over sectarian interests like religion or tribe.
- Pan-Africanism: Understanding that regional integration provides the markets necessary for Uganda’s products.
- Socio-Economic Transformation: Moving every adult Ugandan into the sectors of commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, or ICT.
- Democracy: Upholding the will of the people through accountable leadership.
He reminded the legislators that by 1962, only about 6% of Ugandans were in the money economy. While that number has grown significantly under the NRM, corruption acts as a parasite that drains the momentum of private sector-led growth.
A Call for Self-Reliance
Drawing from his personal history, Museveni urged the MPs to take pride in wealth created through hard work rather than state influence. He recounted how he built his own wealth gradually, emphasizing that “prosperity does not come from begging or corruption.”
The President’s message was a psychological one as much as a political one: a leader who relies on dishonest gains lives in constant fear of exposure, whereas a leader of integrity operates with a “clean heart” and the respect of their constituents.
The Era of Accountability
As the 12th Parliament begins its journey, the President’s “Clean Broom” directive serves as the benchmark for their performance. The Kyankwanzi retreat has set a high bar for discipline and ideological clarity. For the NRM MPs, the message is unambiguous: the party’s historical mission of achieving prosperity for all cannot coexist with the “cowardice” of corruption.
With the public watching closely, the success of this Kisanja will likely be measured by whether these legislators can move beyond the “identity politics” of the past and embrace the President’s vision of a transparent, production-led economy. The “Mountains of the Moon” may be the physical peaks of the region, but for the NRM’s new guard, the peak of integrity is the highest mountain they must now climb.
