NRM Retreat Declared a Success as MPs Advocate Regular Policy Engagements – Hon. Amb. Nekesa

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders’ retreat at the National Leadership Institute has successfully achieved its core objectives, with Members of Parliament calling for the institutionalization of similar engagements on an annual basis, according to the party’s National Treasurer, Hon. Amb. Barbara Nekesa Oundo.

Speaking on Sunday after six days of intensive deliberations, Nekesa described the retreat as a “tremendous success,” highlighting its effectiveness in orienting legislators and aligning their priorities with the NRM Manifesto for 2026–2031. The retreat brought together MPs, senior government officials, and party leaders in a coordinated effort to sharpen policy focus and strengthen governance.

Hon. Amb. Nekesa noted that presentations from various ministries, departments, and agencies were well received, enabling legislators to better understand government programmes and their role in implementation. She emphasized that beyond orientation, the retreat was designed to harmonize planning and thinking among leaders to ensure a unified approach toward national development.

A key outcome of the discussions, she revealed, was the strong endorsement by MPs for such retreats to be held regularly. Legislators argued that annual engagements would provide a structured platform to review progress, deepen understanding of party ideology, and assess the effectiveness of government interventions.

“This kind of interaction strengthens coordination and ensures that leaders remain focused on delivering tangible results to wananchi,” Nekesa said, underscoring the importance of continuous internal reflection within the party as it marks nearly four decades of leadership.

Central to the retreat’s discussions was the message from President Yoweri Museveni, who emphasized transforming household incomes as the cornerstone of Uganda’s long-term socio-economic progress. According to Nekesa, the President challenged leaders to prioritize practical interventions that directly raise the earnings of ordinary citizens.

Museveni stressed the need to boost productivity across key sectors, including agriculture, industry, and services, with a strong focus on value addition, improved production methods, and efficient utilization of resources. He urged Members of Parliament to align all government programmes and policies toward expanding household incomes, noting that this would ultimately lead to improved livelihoods and poverty reduction.

Nekesa explained that the President’s guidance serves as a strategic framework for both the party manifesto and the broader government agenda. She called on leaders to ensure that every initiative undertaken translates into measurable improvements in the welfare of Ugandans. 

The retreat also stood out for its atmosphere of unity and discipline, with Nekesa commending MPs for their active participation and constructive engagement throughout the sessions. She described the environment as “cordial and family-like,” adding that facilitators delivered insightful presentations that enriched discussions and informed decision-making.

As the retreat nears its conclusion, participants are expected to visit the President’s farm in Ngoma, where key resolutions will be presented and adopted, marking a significant milestone in the deliberations. The programme will officially close on Wednesday, with some MPs scheduled to participate in activities at a shooting range before departure.

Nekesa credited the smooth execution of the retreat to the coordinated efforts of the NRM Secretariat, the NALI administration, and supporting service providers, including the media.

She described the overall experience as both educative and engaging, thanking participants for their commitment and reaffirming the party’s resolve to translate the retreat’s outcomes into actionable policies that will drive Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.