On October 2, 2026, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni addressed the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Parliamentary Caucus at the Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala, urging NRM Members of Parliament to return to grassroots methods of leadership. He encouraged them to regularly engage citizens, monitor government programs, and directly address challenges affecting communities. This meeting marked the fourth session of the first session of the 12th Parliament, and it was held as NRM MPs returned from a three-week parliamentary recess.
President Museveni emphasized the importance of fighting corruption and urged lawmakers to adopt the grassroots approach championed by Minister for Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara. He cited Hon. Balaam's approach as practical and not expensive, referencing its earlier success in helping the NRM build support among citizens. The President noted that some people had miscalculated, but slowly, they had taken on the role of fighting corruption in the army and were now beginning to address it in villages.
The President recalled the 1996 elections, where he almost missed the nomination deadline after being delayed in Nakasero. He eventually had to use a boda boda with his wife to beat the 5 pm deadline. He urged MPs to organize barazas and other grassroots engagements in their constituencies, rather than relying on highly organized events that could create a disconnect between leaders and citizens. President Museveni emphasized that interacting with people directly would make it easier to solve their problems.
On wealth creation, President Museveni tasked MPs with closely monitoring the Parish Development Model (PDM) in their constituencies to ensure that intended beneficiaries receive the funds meant to help them enter the money economy. He urged MPs to check the families that have received PDM money and those that haven't, so that they cover the 33% of people not yet in the money economy. The President also emphasized that the Shs1 million PDM revolving fund should reach the intended beneficiaries.
President Museveni directed the Ministry of Internal Affairs and security agencies to investigate and address reported cases of killings and theft in the Greater Ankole region and neighboring areas. He cited reports of over 15 people being killed in Ibanda, cattle theft in Kyankwanzi, and theft in Kagadi as matters of concern. The President said he would engage the police leadership to address gaps in policing and security.
On agriculture, President Museveni stressed that irrigation should no longer be treated as optional, but rather as necessary to stabilize production and increase yields. He also reiterated his directive that wetlands must be protected and encroachers removed. The President mentioned that those in wetlands must get out, and a program is in place to take them back to fish farming. He cited his farm, which yields 53 tonnes per hectare, as an example of successful irrigation.
President Museveni discussed other key issues, including energy, oil, and railway development. He mentioned that Uganda has a small electricity surplus but must continue developing new generation capacity, including the Ayago hydropower project. The President also cited the importance of value addition, referencing the development of a petroleum refinery in Hoima and the example of the Dangote refinery in Lagos.
Key points
- President Museveni tasks NRM MPs to adopt grassroots leadership approach.
- President Museveni emphasizes the importance of fighting corruption.
- President Museveni stresses the need for irrigation in agriculture and value addition in oil production.
