Museveni Urges NRM MPs to Reconnect with Grassroots and Combat Corruption

President Yoweri Museveni, in his capacity as NRM National Chairperson, has urged Members of Parliament from the ruling party to return to the foundational principles of grassroots leadership. Addressing the NRM Parliamentary Caucus at Kololo Independence Grounds, Museveni stressed the importance of direct engagement with citizens, monitoring government initiatives, and proactively resolving community challenges.

He specifically called on lawmakers to embrace the anti-corruption methods promoted by the Minister for Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara. Museveni described Barugahara’s approach as practical and cost-effective, reminiscent of the early NRM strategies that built public trust. “Hon. Balaam is implementing what I have been talking about all the time,” President Museveni remarked, highlighting the need to tackle corruption, which he noted has shifted from the army to the villages.

The President advised MPs to organize regular ‘barazas’ and other direct interactions within their constituencies, moving away from elaborate events that can create a disconnect. He urged them to focus on solving the actual problems faced by their constituents, drawing a parallel to the NRM’s historical success rooted in addressing community needs.

Furthermore, Museveni tasked MPs with closely monitoring the Parish Development Model (PDM) to ensure funds reach intended beneficiaries and help bring the remaining 33% of Ugandans into the money economy. He reiterated the directive for MPs to spend more time in their constituencies overseeing the impact of such programs.

Discussions also covered security concerns in the Greater Ankole region, with the President directing investigations into recent killings and thefts. He also emphasized the critical role of irrigation in stabilizing agricultural production and reiterated the need to protect wetlands from encroachment, proposing relocation for encroachers to engage in fish farming.

Regarding energy and infrastructure, Museveni noted Uganda’s electricity surplus but stressed the need for continued development of new generation capacity, including the Ayago hydropower project. He also highlighted plans for railway expansion and the development of a petroleum refinery in Hoima, underscoring the NRM’s commitment to value addition and vertical integration across various sectors.

The NRM caucus subsequently adopted resolutions to intensify the fight against corruption, enhance vigilance against crime, and ensure effective implementation of development programs like PDM, reaffirming their commitment to the NRM’s mission of national development.

Source: State House (Uganda)