NRM Must Lead in Fighting Corruption – Museveni Tells Delegates at Kololo
The President reminded the NRM delegates of their responsibility as leaders in society, not only to mobilize for the party but also to safeguard public resources and demand accountability.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called upon National Resistance Movement (NRM) delegates to take a frontline role in combating corruption at the local government level and ensuring that government services effectively reach the people.
While addressing delegates of the NRM Special Interest Groups (SIGs) at Kololo Independence Grounds on Monday, Museveni emphasized that corruption continues to undermine service delivery, weaken trust in government institutions, and slow down national development. He urged the party structures to act as watchdogs and ensure that the resources allocated to serve citizens are not diverted or misused.
In his speech, President Museveni also reflected on Uganda’s economic transformation over the past four decades. He noted that the country’s economy has grown significantly, from just $3.9 billion in 1986 to $66 billion today. This growth, he said, has positioned Uganda to transition into a high middle-income economy with a projected GDP of $500 billion in the coming years.
He attributed this steady progress to a carefully phased economic strategy, which he outlined as follows:
Minimum Recovery Phase – Restoring stability and basic economic activity after years of turmoil.
Expansion of Production – Encouraging increased agricultural and industrial output.
Diversification – Broadening the economy beyond traditional crops and commodities.
Value Addition – Promoting processing industries to increase export value.
Knowledge Economy – Harnessing innovation, research, and technology to drive modern growth.
The President cited several homegrown innovations as evidence of Uganda’s steady progress into the knowledge-driven phase of development. These include:
The Kira Motors electric buses, developed locally as part of efforts to advance green transport solutions.
Ongoing vaccine production initiatives, aimed at boosting healthcare independence and preparedness.
Local computer manufacturing projects, which reflect Uganda’s growing capacity in digital technology.
Museveni stressed that these developments are critical for wealth creation, job opportunities, and national resilience in a competitive global economy.
The President reminded the NRM delegates of their responsibility as leaders in society, not only to mobilize for the party but also to safeguard public resources and demand accountability. He noted that the fight against corruption must be both a political and moral duty, with local leaders ensuring that roads, schools, hospitals, and other services are delivered as planned.
“The NRM must lead by example. We cannot talk of socio-economic transformation when resources meant for the people are stolen. Delegates must be vigilant in their communities and ensure that service delivery is not compromised,” he said.
President Museveni concluded his address by expressing confidence that Uganda is on the right track towards achieving its Vision 2040 goals. He reiterated that with sustained economic discipline, anti-corruption vigilance, and a focus on innovation, the country will transform into a prosperous, modern, and self-sustaining economy.
