President Museveni warns new MPs against corruption

Nakaseke: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has warned newly elected Members of Parliament against engaging in corruption and bribery, describing the vice as suicidal and a serious threat to their political careers.

The President made the remarks while closing a week-long retreat for NRM and NRM-leaning independent MPs at Ngoma State Lodge on Tuesday.

Museveni emphasized that legislators have a key mandate to provide oversight and ensure accountability in government operations. He cautioned that engaging in corruption would amount to betraying their electorate and failing the nation.

“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,” Museveni said.

He cited previous corruption scandals in Parliament that led to the arrest of MPs including Cissy Namujju, Paul Akamba, and Yusuf Mutembule, who were implicated in a syndicate that allegedly extorted money from government entities.

He warned that corruption poses a serious threat to national development. “It will kill Uganda. It is suicide and must not be tolerated,” he stressed.

Museveni noted that it had become common for some parliamentary committee members to solicit bribes from public servants in exchange for approving budgets, adding that such practices were exposed by a whistleblower.

The President further revealed that he has compiled evidence of corruption in Parliament and other government programs, including reported irregularities in the Parish Development Model funds in Masaka.

He directed that strict action be taken against both those who give and those who receive bribes in public service, and called upon the public to report corrupt officials.

Museveni also revealed reports of bribery linked to budget approvals.

“I have heard that some people demand money before passing budgets. One official refused and reported the matter. This must stop,” he said.

He cautioned that anyone found engaging in bribery for positions would be disqualified.

“If we hear that you are giving bribes to get office, you will be disqualified,” he warned.

On the Parish Development Model, the President urged proper utilization of funds.

“This money we are sending to the people can change their lives if used properly,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Vice President, Jessica Alupo, commended the MPs-elect for completing the retreat, describing it as a key platform for strengthening ideological grounding and leadership discipline.

She said the training was essential in aligning leaders with the Movement’s long-term vision of socio-economic transformation.

“We appreciate the commitment shown by the MPs throughout this retreat. It is important that leaders remain grounded in the ideology of the Movement as they serve the people,” she said.

She urged legislators to translate the knowledge gained into practical service delivery and improved accountability.

The Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement, Richard Todwong, presented the official resolutions of the retreat on behalf of NRM MPs and party-leaning Independents.

He said the retreat followed the party’s victory in the 2026 general elections and emphasized the need to protect the gains of the revolution.

“We gathered here to reflect on our role in advancing Uganda towards a higher middle-income status,” he said.

Todwong noted that MPs had resolved to uphold discipline, accountability, and ethical leadership.

“We commit to institutionalizing a culture of discipline, accountability, and results-oriented leadership aligned to the NRM manifesto,” he said.

He added that leaders would prioritize national interest over personal gain and support firm measures in the fight against corruption.

“We reaffirm zero tolerance on corruption, inefficiency, and abuse of office,” he said.

On the economy, he said MPs pledged to support policies aimed at accelerating socio-economic transformation, including aligning decisions with the National Development Plan IV.

“We shall promote value addition, export orientation, and import substitution as key drivers of Uganda’s transition to a higher middle-income economy,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Nakaseke North MP Wilber Manyisa Ahebwa commended President Museveni for his leadership and contribution to national development.

“I thank you, Your Excellency, for the sacrifices you have made for this country,” he said.

He noted that Nakaseke strongly supported the President in the recent elections and pledged continued mobilization for government programs, highlighting key economic activities in the area such as cattle keeping and tea growing.

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