President Museveni Issues Fresh Directives on Coordination, Agriculture, and Accountability at Kyankwanzi Retreat

President Yoweri Museveni has unveiled a new set of directives aimed at strengthening coordination, boosting agricultural production, and enhancing accountability in government programmes, as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders’ retreat concluded its sixth day at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi District.

The directives, delivered during his engagements with Members of Parliament, underscore government’s renewed focus on improving service delivery through better collaboration between political leaders and technocrats, while accelerating wealth creation initiatives at the grassroots.

Strengthening Coordination and Transparency

A key highlight of the President’s guidance was a directive to Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) to ensure that all official communication regarding resources allocated to districts is shared with Members of Parliament and LCV Chairpersons.

According to Museveni, this measure is critical in promoting transparency, minimizing duplication of roles, and fostering synergy in the implementation of government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM).

The directive responds to long-standing concerns over coordination gaps at district level, where limited information flow between civil servants and elected leaders has, in some cases, affected programme effectiveness and accountability.

Government Shifts Focus to Structured Fish Farming

In a notable policy shift, the President revealed that government is preparing to roll out a nationwide fish farming programme, with particular emphasis on wetlands.

Museveni explained that aquaculture requires specialized machinery and technical support, making it unsuitable for the current funding structure under PDM, where beneficiaries receive Shs1 million. He stressed the need for a more deliberate, state-led approach to ensure viability and scalability of fish farming enterprises.

The initiative is part of broader efforts to diversify household income sources and optimize the use of Uganda’s natural resources, especially wetlands, while ensuring environmental sustainability.

Security and Infrastructure Boost in Sebei

On security and infrastructure, Museveni announced plans to establish a military barracks in Bulambuli District near Kween District. He described the project as a long-standing proposal intended to strengthen security presence and support socio-economic transformation in the Sebei sub-region.

The development aligns with government’s wider strategy of extending state infrastructure to underserved areas, both to enhance national security and stimulate local economic activity.

Utilization of Idle Government Land

The President also emphasized the need for efficient utilization of government land across the country. He directed that all idle public land be put to productive use, particularly for agricultural activities such as raising seedlings.

This directive is in line with his consistent call for practical interventions that directly contribute to increased production, job creation, and household incomes.

Broader Policy Context

The latest directives come amid ongoing efforts by the government to address structural bottlenecks in programme implementation, especially at local government level. Museveni has repeatedly highlighted wealth creation as a central pillar of Uganda’s socio-economic transformation, urging leaders to prioritize agriculture-based solutions including irrigation, livestock farming, and now aquaculture.

The emphasis on improved coordination also reflects growing recognition within the NRM of the need for closer collaboration between political leaders and the civil service in monitoring service delivery and ensuring accountability. 

Retreat Focus and Leadership 

The Kyankwanzi retreat, a key platform for ideological orientation and policy alignment within the NRM, continues to focus on critical national priorities such as economic transformation, governance, and service delivery. Sessions held so far have covered areas including agriculture, the NRM manifesto, and national security.

The President was welcomed at the retreat by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Central Executive Committee members, and NRM Secretariat officials led by Secretary General Richard Todwong.

As the retreat progresses, the directives are expected to shape government operations and policy implementation in the coming months, particularly in strengthening coordination frameworks and accelerating grassroots economic development.