Politics 9 April 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Museveni Reiterates Strong Commitment to Combat Corruption at Kyankwanzi Retreat
President Yoweri Museveni has renewed his pledge to decisively address corruption during a speech to NRM MPs-elect at the Kyankwanzi retreat, stressing that it sabotages public programs and economic progress. He highlighted issues like PDM fund misuse and hospital drug theft amid calls for greater accountability. Source: https://observer.ug/news/museveni-again-vows-again-to-seriously-tackle-corruption
President Yoweri Museveni addressed over 350 newly elected National Resistance Movement (NRM) legislators at the party’s retreat in Kyankwanzi, vowing to tackle corruption head-on as he prepares for his May 12, 2026, inauguration after four decades in leadership.
He warned that corrupt practices drain public resources, set poor examples, and derail the government’s mission for economic transformation. “Prosperity comes from production, not begging or theft,” Museveni emphasized, pushing for accountability in leadership.
The remarks follow concerns over 389 Parish Development Model (PDM) corruption cases reported by police in 2025, alongside issues like medicine theft in health facilities raised by Masaka City Woman MP Justine Nameere.
Museveni linked these problems to broader challenges, including State House bribery allegations and scandals involving cabinet ministers, promising serious action in the new term.
Beyond anti-corruption, he stressed ideological training rooted in NRM’s four pillars—patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy—urging focus on commercial agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, and services under Vision 2040.
He cautioned against identity politics based on tribe or religion, advocating national unity and regional integration via the East African Community and African Continental Free Trade Area for market strength.
Recent data shows Uganda’s private sector growing, with the March 2026 Purchasing Managers’ Index at 54.3. Vice President Jessica Alupo and NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong highlighted the retreat’s role in aligning MPs with party priorities for the 12th Parliament.