Museveni to NRM MPs: Go Back to Grassroots, Embrace Balaam Anti-Corruption Approach

2 October 2026, 9:29 pm

By Eman Yonah Oruk

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has tasked Members of Parliament from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) to abandon high-table politics and return to the original grassroots work methods that built the Movement, while strongly endorsing the new anti-corruption approach championed by the Minister for Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi.

The President, who is also the National Chairman of the NRM, was speaking today at the Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala while addressing the NRM Parliamentary Caucus, the fourth of the first session of the 12th Parliament, which came as MPs returned from a three-week recess.

In a wide-ranging address that touched on corruption, wealth creation, security, agriculture, energy and regional integration, President Museveni emphasized that the NRM’s strength has always been direct contact with the people. He cautioned legislators against corruption, praised Hon. Balaam Barugahara and his team for taking the anti-corruption fight to the grassroots, and urged MPs to organize regular barazas in their constituencies instead of relying on expensive events that disconnect leaders from voters.

He further directed MPs to inspect the Parish Development Model (PDM) in their constituencies to ensure funds reach intended beneficiaries, especially Persons with Disabilities, and warned against diversion of resources. On security, he expressed concern over murders and theft in Greater Ankole and other areas, promising to engage police leadership.

On agriculture, he declared irrigation a necessity, citing his own farm’s success, and repeated his tough stance on wetlands, insisting occupants must vacate for fish farming programs. He also highlighted value addition as the backbone of Uganda’s economy, pointing to his Ugandan-made shirt as an example of vertical integration, while reaffirming the refinery-first policy on oil.

The meeting, chaired by Government Chief Whip Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, concluded with nine resolutions, including intensifying the fight against corruption, monitoring PDM, prioritizing irrigation, supporting hydropower and nuclear energy, expanding strategic infrastructure, and promoting East African integration. The caucus ended with a renewed call to MPs to remain present in their constituencies and strengthen service delivery at the grassroots.