Museveni Rallies NRM Delegates to Fight Corruption, Drive Socioeconomic Transformation

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KAMPALA: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged members of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to take the lead in the fight against corruption and to champion socioeconomic transformation, citing Uganda’s economic progress over the past four decades.

Addressing thousands of delegates on Monday at Kololo Independence Grounds during the inaugural National Conference for Special Interest Groups (SIGs), the NRM National Chairman highlighted Uganda’s journey from a fragile economy valued at $3.9 billion in 1986 to the current $66 billion.

He said the country’s next milestone is to attain high middle-income status, with a projected value of $500 billion.

Five Phases of Economic Growth

The President outlined Uganda’s economic trajectory through five key phases—minimum recovery, expansion of production, diversification, value addition, and the current shift into the knowledge economy.

He noted that Uganda already boasts homegrown innovations such as Kira Motors’ electric buses, local vaccine production, and computer manufacturing, which demonstrate the country’s capacity to compete in the global market.

Mr Museveni emphasized the need for Ugandans to move from subsistence farming to income-generating activities. He observed that while significant progress had been made, with 67 percent of households now engaged in the money economy compared to just 32 percent in 2013, about one-third of families still remain outside.

“Every family must produce both food and cash. In 2013, 68 percent of homesteads were outside the money economy. Today, 67 percent are in, but 33 percent remain out,” he said.

The President reiterated his long-standing four pillars of wealth creation: commercial agriculture, manufacturing and artisan work, services such as tourism, and ICT innovations.

He cited the example of Joseph Ijara, a farmer from Serere, who reportedly earns Shs3 million daily from just 2.5 acres of land, as proof that small-scale transformation is achievable.

Tackling Corruption and Strengthening Service Delivery

On governance, Mr Museveni made a strong call for delegates to spearhead the fight against corruption, particularly at the local government level where service delivery is often undermined.

He warned against the mismanagement of public programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM).

“Don’t allow corrupt people to steal Parish Development Model funds or demand bribes. Stop those who steal public money—we shall arrest them,” he said.

The President further urged communities to hold district leaders accountable for the UGX 1.3 billion allocated annually for road maintenance, and police officers for their role in crime prevention.

Education and Health Priorities

Mr Museveni renewed his push for the strict enforcement of Universal Primary and Secondary Education (UPE/USE), condemning head teachers who continue to charge illegal school fees.

“Let us not let down the children of the poor. Stop these abuses of charging school fees. Support me to fully implement free education,” he insisted.

On health, the President applauded Uganda’s immunisation programme for its role in eradicating smallpox and reducing measles cases, but cautioned against the theft of medicines in public hospitals.

He called for more focus on preventive healthcare, which he said would ease the burden on the health system.

Party Unity

In his remarks, NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong appealed to party members to prioritise unity and collective goals over individual political ambitions.

“We are members of one family. Focus on the bigger picture — the mission, objectives, and goals — rather than personal ambitions,” Todwong said.

The conference, which brings together youth, women, veterans, historicals, elderly, workers, and entrepreneurs, will later today elect SIG representatives to the NRM National Delegates Conference.