NRM Retreat Intensifies Push for Unified Governance and Effective Service Delivery

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders’ retreat at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi entered its fifth day on Saturday with renewed emphasis on strengthening governance through improved coordination among the three arms of government.

The high-level gathering, which has brought together senior party leaders, Members of Parliament-elect, and key government officials, continues to serve as a strategic platform for aligning leadership with national priorities, enhancing service delivery, and equipping legislators with a deeper understanding of their constitutional roles.

At the center of the day’s deliberations was the need to foster harmony between the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary—an issue that H. E. Jessica Alupo, the Vice President, described as fundamental to effective governance.

Alupo stressed that although each arm of government operates within distinct constitutional mandates, their success ultimately depends on collaboration rather than competition. She cautioned against institutional friction, urging leaders to adopt a unified approach in delivering services to citizens.

“There should be no barriers between the arms of government. We are all united by a common purpose—to serve our people,” she noted, while encouraging legislators to avoid extreme positions and identity-based politics in favor of national cohesion.

The Vice President further called on leaders to champion a culture of cooperation, emphasizing that national interest must always take precedence. She underscored the importance of legislators supporting and strengthening all arms of government to ensure efficiency and stability in governance.

Beyond governance structures, Alupo highlighted the critical role of science, technology, and innovation in Uganda’s socio-economic transformation. She urged lawmakers to actively support investments in emerging sectors such as the pathogen economy, artificial intelligence, and the automobile industry, noting their potential to drive productivity across agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT.

She also drew attention to social development, urging Members of Parliament to engage more actively with programs under the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development. These, she said, are essential in addressing the needs of vulnerable groups, including women, youth, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

In a related call, Alupo emphasized mentorship and accountability, noting that while government continues to extend support through various initiatives, leaders must ensure that such interventions translate into tangible outcomes at the grassroots level.

On education, the Vice President advocated for expanded access to higher learning, positioning it as a critical tool in curbing brain drain and building a skilled workforce capable of competing both locally and internationally. She urged the fast-tracking of public university establishment across all regions to bridge existing gaps.

She also pointed to persistent service delivery challenges, particularly in electricity infrastructure, citing inefficiencies such as areas with installed poles lacking wires and vice versa. She called for urgent corrective action to ensure equitable access to essential services.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja delivered an in-depth presentation on the coordination and management of government business in Parliament, outlining her constitutional mandate as Leader of Government Business.

Nabbanja explained that her role involves ensuring that government policies and programmes are effectively implemented across ministries, departments, agencies, and local governments. She emphasized that while the Rules of Procedure provide a formal framework, much of the coordination relies on continuous engagement, consultation, and consensus-building—often taking place within what she described as the “corridors of authority.”

She stressed the importance of aligning government entities to avoid duplication, reduce bureaucratic delays, and enhance efficiency in service delivery. According to the Prime Minister, effective coordination is key to translating policy decisions into measurable outcomes.

Nabbanja also highlighted the significance of a bottom-up approach to policymaking, where input from communities, local leaders, and civil servants informs national decisions. She noted that this approach not only strengthens policy relevance but also promotes inclusiveness in governance.

Providing insight into the legislative process, she explained that all government business must first receive Cabinet approval before being scheduled on Parliament’s Order Paper by the Speaker, in consultation with the Leader of Government Business.

She urged legislators to consistently support government business, actively participate in party caucus processes, and work collectively to safeguard national achievements while advancing Uganda’s transformation agenda.

On the party front, NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong described the retreat as a vital orientation platform for legislators, aimed at building clarity, cohesion, and a shared understanding of governance principles.

Todwong noted that the structured sessions are designed to align Members of Parliament with government programmes while strengthening coordination between party structures and state institutions.

He also highlighted the significance of the retreat’s evening campfire sessions, describing them as a unique avenue for informal interaction, mentorship, and peer learning. According to him, these engagements help build trust, resilience, and unity among legislators, which are critical for effective teamwork.

“The campfire sessions are not just symbolic; they create space for members to interact freely, share experiences, and build the cohesion needed to work together effectively,” he said.

He added that the extended nature of the retreat, including late-night sessions, reflects the commitment of leaders to fully understand national issues and prepare for the responsibilities ahead.

As the retreat progresses, it continues to reinforce its role as a cornerstone in shaping policy direction, strengthening unity within the ruling party, and preparing legislators for meaningful participation in governance.

With a clear focus on coordination, accountability, and innovation, the Kyankwanzi retreat remains a key instrument for the NRM in driving Uganda’s socio-economic transformation and ensuring that leadership remains aligned with the country’s long-term development goals.