President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has issued a strong warning to Members of Parliament against engaging in corruption, particularly within Parliament, as he officially closed the 2026 NRM leaders’ retreat in Kyankwanzi.
The week-long retreat, held at the National Leadership Institute Kyankwanzi, brought together newly elected legislators and party-leaning Independents under the theme of aligning leadership towards protecting national gains and accelerating Uganda’s transition to a higher middle-income status.
In his closing remarks, President Museveni cautioned MPs that corruption within Parliament undermines the institution’s oversight role and threatens national development.
“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.
The President described corruption as a dangerous vice that could derail Uganda’s progress if not decisively tackled.
“It will kill Uganda. It is suicide and must not be tolerated,” he stressed, warning legislators against soliciting bribes in the execution of their duties, particularly during the budget approval process.
He revealed that government had received reports of officials being asked to pay money to have budgets passed, a practice he condemned as unacceptable. He warned that leaders found engaging in bribery, including in the pursuit of positions, risk disqualification.
The anti-corruption message dominated the final session of the retreat, with MPs adopting resolutions committing to zero tolerance for graft and abuse of office. The resolutions, presented by NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, emphasized discipline, accountability, and ethical leadership.
“We reaffirm a zero-tolerance stance on corruption, inefficiency, and abuse of office,” Todwong said, adding that legislators had pledged to strengthen anti-corruption institutions and enforce strict accountability mechanisms.
Vice President Jessica Alupo commended the MPs for completing the ideological training, urging them to translate the lessons into improved service delivery and integrity in public office.
“It is important that leaders remain grounded in the ideology of the Movement as they serve the people,” she said.
Beyond the corruption fight, President Museveni reiterated the need for leaders to champion wealth creation and transition Ugandans from subsistence to the money economy. He highlighted the transformation of the cattle corridor as evidence of progress driven by mindset change and government support.
The retreat also featured a visit to the President’s farm in Ngoma, Nakaseke District, where MPs reflected on Uganda’s liberation history and development journey.
As the leaders signed out, Museveni urged them to uphold discipline and integrity, emphasizing that the credibility of Parliament and the success of government programs depend on their commitment to fighting corruption and serving the national interest.
Vice President Maj Rtd Jessica Alupo assured the President that the 12th Parliament would support the 10-point mission to propel the country to higher middle income status.
She also tipped the new MPs to ensure they behave like real honourables.
NRM Secretary General Rt Hon Richard Todwong thanked the President for always sponsoring such programmes as retreats where members get to learn a lot from him.
He re-mphasized the anti-corruption resolution, asking the MPs to live exemplary lives.