NRM National Treasurer Hon. Amb. Nekesa: Kyankwanzi Retreat to Shape NRM MPs for Next 40-Year Vision
She noted that the programme is designed to orient both new and returning MPs on the party’s vision, reflecting on four decades of NRM leadership while charting a course for the next 40 years.
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has commenced the accreditation of newly elected Members of Parliament ahead of a high-level ideological retreat scheduled to take place at the National Leadership Institute Kyankwanzi.
The week-long retreat, slated for April 7–15, 2026, is part of the party’s broader strategy to align legislators with its long-term vision, governance priorities, and ideological foundations as it prepares for another parliamentary term.
Speaking during the accreditation exercise at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on Easter Monday, Hon. Amb. Barbara Nekesa Oundo, the NRM National Treasurer, emphasized the importance of the retreat in shaping a unified and informed parliamentary caucus.
She noted that the programme is designed to orient both new and returning MPs on the party’s vision, reflecting on four decades of NRM leadership while charting a course for the next 40 years.
“We want to orient new MPs on what our vision is as NRM after 40 years of running government business, and also align them to the next 40 years as outlined in our manifesto, which Ugandans endorsed with over 70 percent support,” Nekesa said.
The retreat comes at a time when the NRM is preparing for the swearing-in of a new government term expected next month in May, following its decisive electoral victory.
Accreditation Process Underway
Nekesa commended the smooth progress of the accreditation exercise, highlighting its central role in organizing the retreat and ensuring that only duly verified participants are admitted.
“Every meeting or conference starts with accreditation because it helps identify rightful participants. Members are issued accreditation cards, and there are designated tents for processes such as COVID-19 testing and distribution of branded party materials,” she explained.
She also applauded the organizing committee led by the NRM Secretary General, Richard Todwong, for coordinating the exercise effectively, alongside support staff working behind the scenes.
Focus on Ideology and Governance
According to Nekesa, the Kyankwanzi retreat will cover a wide range of critical topics aimed at strengthening the capacity of legislators. These include NRM ideology, governance frameworks, regional geopolitics, national security, and political economy.
A key highlight will be discussions around the party’s economic philosophy—popularly referred to as “Musevenomics”—which seeks to guide Uganda’s transformation towards a higher middle-income status.
Other thematic areas will include human capital development, infrastructure expansion, agricultural modernization, and the legislative role of Parliament, particularly in managing public expectations and enhancing service delivery.
The retreat will also bring together newly elected NRM MPs, returning legislators, and independent MPs aligned with the party’s agenda, fostering cohesion within the broader parliamentary bloc.
Leadership Commendation
Nekesa used the occasion to commend President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his continued leadership and active involvement in both government and party affairs.
“We thank the President for leading by example. Despite the demands of running government, he still dedicates time to NRM party activities, including the upcoming retreat,” she said.
She further acknowledged the support of the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) in facilitating the party’s programmes and strengthening the Secretariat’s operations.
Strategic Theme
This year’s retreat will run under the theme: “Aligning the NRM leadership towards protecting the gains and making the qualitative leap towards a higher middle-income status society.”
The Kyankwanzi ideological training has over the years become a cornerstone of NRM political orientation, serving as a platform to consolidate party discipline, sharpen policy focus, and reinforce collective responsibility among leaders.
As the 2026–2031 parliamentary term approaches, the retreat is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping legislative priorities and ensuring that NRM MPs move in tandem with the party’s long-term national development agenda.
