President Yoweri Museveni has issued a stern warning to newly elected National Resistance Movement Members of Parliament, against engaging in corruption during their five year term in Parliament,
officiating at the NRM leaders retreat in Kyankwanzi, Museveni said he will not hesitate to take drastic action against corrupt officials.
“Don’t involve yourselves in corruption. I won’t tolerate corruption,.If it is necessary to have a new war, I will have it.” he stressed.
The President described corruption as a dangerous vice that undermines national development and sets a bad example across society.singling out misuse of government programs, including the Parish Development Model (PDM)..
“Many people around the country during campaigns were complaining about misuse of PDM,” he said. “There were individual cases of success, but you would hear complaints.”
He urged the new legislators to take responsibility and ensure public resources reach intended beneficiaries.
“The young cadres of NRM who have just been elected—if you capture these, you can’t go wrong,” he added.
However, he warned that corruption could reverse these gains if left unchecked.
“If you are corrupt, you will not only misuse government resources but you will become a bad example,” he said. “Many people will copy you—and where will the country be?”
Museveni framed the fight against corruption within the broader ideological foundation of the NRM, urging MPs to go beyond political loyalty and embrace disciplined leadership.
“You are now not only followers of the NRM but also leaders,” he said. “There is a difference between a follower and a leader.”
He likened the legislators to ideological custodians. “You are now priests of the NRM… It is important you consolidate whatever you already know.”
The President stressed that leadership requires a deep understanding of societal challenges and moral responsibility.
“A political leader must carry out diagnosis of the people… understand their problems and design solutions,” he said.
Museveni also warned that divisions based on identity—such as tribe, religion or clan—can weaken state institutions and fuel instability.
“If you see wars going on, many are caused by disorientation of identity,” he said. “People want to be big fish in small ponds, but when real challenges come, you don’t have enough.”
Museveni urged MPs to uphold integrity as they take on leadership roles, warning that corruption could derail both the country’s progress and the ruling party’s mission.
“This generation must create prosperity for African people,” he said. “But you cannot do that if you divert resources meant for the people.”
More than 359 newly elected NRM MPs and more than 40 Independent MPs yesterday morning left Kololo ceremonial grounds for the National Leadership Institute where they will spend a week ahead of their swearing in next month.
The Deputy Secretary General of the party Rosemary Namayanja Nsereko told the media that they
are expected to chart away for the next five year term of president Museveni’s government.
during the week long retreat they will be lectured on topics like party direction, party ideology, defence and security, media and communication among others.
