On October 2, 2026, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni addressed the NRM Parliamentary Caucus at the Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala, challenging NRM MPs to regularly engage citizens, monitor government programs, and directly address community challenges. 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 adopting a grassroots approach to leadership, encouraging MPs to organize barazas and other community engagements in their constituencies. He cited the success of Minister for Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara's anti-corruption approach, which focuses on practical and cost-effective methods to combat corruption. President Museveni noted that this approach helped the NRM build its support among citizens in the past.
The President also tasked MPs with closely monitoring the Parish Development Model (PDM) in their constituencies, ensuring that intended beneficiaries receive funds meant to help them enter the money economy. He urged MPs to ensure that the Shs1 million PDM revolving fund reaches the intended beneficiaries and to spend more time in their constituencies monitoring its impact.
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 also promised to 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, arguing that it is necessary to stabilize production and increase yields. He also reiterated his directive that wetlands must be protected and encroachers removed, citing a program to take people back to fish farming. Additionally, the President discussed energy development, citing a small electricity surplus and the need to develop new generation capacity, including the Ayago hydropower project.
President Museveni also emphasized the importance of value addition in Uganda's economy, citing the development of a petroleum refinery in Hoima as a key priority. He explained that the country's decision to prioritize refinery development before large-scale crude oil production was deliberate, aiming to process domestically produced petroleum and benefit the wider economy.
The President concluded by highlighting the benefits of vertical integration and domestic value addition, using the example of Uganda's cotton industry. He explained that processing cotton locally through various stages increases earnings and creates employment opportunities, citing the dairy industry as another example of successful horizontal integration.
Key points
- President Museveni tasks NRM MPs to return to grassroots leadership methods.
- The President emphasizes the importance of anti-corruption approaches and value addition in Uganda's economy.
- President Museveni directs MPs to monitor the Parish Development Model and address community challenges.
