Museveni Warns MPs on Corruption, Lays Out National Priorities
By Skika Reporter
President Yoweri Museveni has outlined an ambitious agenda for Uganda’s incoming 12th Parliament, urging lawmakers to prioritise prosperity, national security, and socio-economic transformation when they assume office next month.
Delivering a keynote address at the opening of an orientation retreat for newly elected legislators at the National Leadership Institute Kyankwanzi (NALI), the President called on Members of Parliament to focus on solving societal challenges and supporting the Executive in driving national development.
The retreat brought together legislators from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), with Museveni emphasising the need for ideological clarity and strategic thinking among leaders.
Focus on prosperity and transformation
In a stern address, Museveni said the 12th Parliament must deliver on the NRM’s founding mission, particularly ensuring prosperity for all citizens.
“When we came, we decided that historical mission number one must be prosperity…you achieve prosperity by teaching people how to work, not how to beg,” he said.
He urged MPs to deepen their understanding of societal challenges and design practical solutions, stressing that leadership requires proper diagnosis of problems and effective strategies for implementation.
Key priorities outlined include expanding access to electricity and piped water, improving housing, and tackling poverty across the country.
The President also rallied legislators to embrace patriotism, pan-Africanism, democracy, and economic transformation as guiding ideological pillars.
“I have been telling you that you should unite and be strong, but you like to become big fish in small ponds. When real challenges arise, you don’t have enough. Africa needs to unite to be strong,” he said.
Call to think big
Museveni challenged MPs to adopt a broader vision for Uganda and Africa, urging them to pursue transformative goals comparable to global scientific achievements.
Referring to ongoing space exploration efforts such as the NASA Artemis II mission, he criticised what he described as limited ambition among leaders.
“This generation must create prosperity for the African people… We could also go to the moon,” he said.
He reiterated the NRM’s strategy of focusing on four key sectors—services, manufacturing, commercial agriculture, and ICT—as drivers of economic growth and national stability.
Warning on discipline and corruption
The President cautioned lawmakers against indiscipline, alcohol abuse, and corruption, warning that such vices could undermine government programmes and public trust.
“Discipline… covers so many things. Avoiding alcohol… you become disoriented,” he said.
On corruption, Museveni said it weakens governance and sets a poor example, urging MPs to reject illicit enrichment.
“Don’t involve yourself in corruption. Please, I beg you. I do not tolerate corruption. Corruption is cowardice,” he added.
He noted that corruption has affected the effectiveness of key government initiatives, including the Parish Development Model.
Scrutiny and expectations
Museveni’s remarks come as the term of the 11th Parliament draws to a close amid public criticism over alleged mismanagement and self-interest among legislators.
An online campaign known as the Parliament Exhibition in 2024 exposed alleged misuse of public resources, piling pressure on the incoming House to restore public confidence.
During the retreat, Aringa South MP Alion Yorke Odrria challenged the President to take firmer action against corruption.
“You said that you confirmed that there is corruption in Parliament and the Ministry of Finance. Why don’t you arrest these people?” he asked.
The 12th Parliament now faces the task of translating the President’s directives into tangible outcomes, with high public expectations for improved accountability, service delivery, and national development.
