President Museveni Warns MPs on Corruption as NRM Leaders’ Retreat 2026 Closes

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has issued a firm and unequivocal warning to Members of Parliament against engaging in corruption, emphasizing that any form of graft within the legislature undermines both governance and national development.

The President delivered the caution as he officially closed the 2026 National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders’ retreat at his Ngoma farm in Nakaseke District, where newly elected legislators and party-leaning Independents had convened for a week-long ideological and policy orientation.

A Strong Stand Against Corruption

In his closing address, President Museveni underscored the critical role of Parliament as an oversight institution, warning that corruption within its ranks would erode its authority to hold other arms of government accountable.

“I do not want to hear of corruption in Parliament. If there is corruption in Parliament, how will you control others? You are the oversight body,” he said.

He described corruption as a dangerous vice capable of derailing Uganda’s socio-economic transformation, likening it to an act of self-destruction if left unchecked.

“It will kill Uganda. It is suicide and must not be tolerated,” he stressed.

The President specifically condemned reports that some officials are being asked to pay bribes to have their budgets approved, calling the practice unacceptable and a betrayal of public trust. He warned that leaders implicated in such acts, including those seeking leadership positions through bribery, risk disqualification.

Retreat Resolutions: Zero Tolerance to Graft

The anti-corruption message dominated the final session of the retreat, culminating in a set of resolutions adopted by the legislators. Presented by NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, the resolutions reaffirmed a commitment to integrity, discipline, and accountability in public service. 

“We reaffirm a zero-tolerance stance on corruption, inefficiency, and abuse of office,” Todwong stated, adding that MPs had pledged to strengthen anti-corruption institutions and enforce strict accountability mechanisms across government.

He also urged legislators to lead by example, emphasizing that their personal conduct would set the tone for governance standards nationwide.

Ideological Grounding and Leadership Responsibility

Vice President H. E. Jessica Alupo commended the MPs for successfully completing the ideological training, noting that such retreats are essential in shaping principled leadership.

“It is important that leaders remain grounded in the ideology of the Movement as they serve the people,” she said. She further assured the President that the 12th Parliament would align with the NRM’s 10-point mission and support efforts aimed at propelling Uganda toward higher middle-income status.

Alupo also urged the legislators to conduct themselves with dignity and uphold the values expected of public officials.

Focus on Wealth Creation and Economic Transformation

Beyond governance and integrity, President Museveni reiterated the importance of wealth creation as a cornerstone of Uganda’s development agenda. He urged leaders to actively champion initiatives that transition citizens from subsistence livelihoods to participation in the money economy.

Highlighting progress in the cattle corridor, the President pointed to it as a practical example of how mindset change, combined with government support, can transform communities and improve household incomes.

Reflecting on History and Progress

As part of the retreat activities, participants visited the President’s farm in Ngoma, Nakaseke District—an experience that offered both historical reflection and practical insights into agriculture-led transformation. The visit underscored the link between Uganda’s liberation struggle and its current development trajectory.

Commitment to Integrity and National Interest

As the retreat concluded, President Museveni called on MPs to uphold discipline and integrity, stressing that the credibility of Parliament—and the success of government programmes—depends on their commitment to ethical leadership.

NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong expressed gratitude to the President for consistently organizing such engagements, noting that they provide invaluable guidance to legislators.

He reiterated the importance of adhering to the anti-corruption resolutions, urging MPs to live exemplary lives that reflect the values of the Movement.

With a renewed commitment to accountability and service, the legislators departed Kyankwanzi with a clear message: the fight against corruption must begin within Parliament itself if Uganda is to achieve its ambition of becoming a higher middle-income country.