The President and Uganda Parliament Speaker, Anita Among leads MPs to the Ngoma State Lodge before officially closing the retreat
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I President Yoweri Museveni reiterated his long-standing message of transitioning Ugandans from subsistence living to the money economy.
He made the remarks as he officially closed the 2026 NRM Members of Parliament retreat held at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi.
The week-long retreat, which started on April 7, ended today,14th April 2026, under the theme: “Aligning the NRM leadership towards protecting the gains and making a bold, qualitative leap towards a higher middle-income status society.”
Museveni said that by the time of independence, only about 9% of homesteads were in the money economy. The rest were producing just for the stomach. Drawing from his upbringing in Ntungamo, the President said most families, including his own, were not engaged in commercial activity.
“We had cows and bananas, but they were only for consumption. There was no selling,” he said. He emphasized that since the 1960s, there has been a consistent push to transform livelihoods. “Our message has always been that our people must enter the money economy,” he added.
The President highlighted progress in the cattle corridor, which stretches from Isingiro through Kazo, Kiruhura, Sembabule, Gomba, Kyankwanzi, Nakasongola, and Masindi.
Cattle corridor crucial
“When we came into government in 1986, we intensified this message. We encouraged smallholder farmers to adopt dairy farming and other income-generating activities,” he said. He noted that the strategy has yielded visible results.
“The cattle corridor has transformed because people changed their mindset and followed the message,” President Museveni said. He cited farmer John Matongo as one of the beneficiaries.
“He was outside the money economy, but now he has transformed and became a wealthy man,” he noted. However, he urged farmers to embrace pasture improvement for increased productivity.
“If you plant improved pasture on one square mile, you can keep up to 300 cows,” he advised. Museveni also pointed to ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure in the area.
“We shall continue working on the roads connecting Luwero, Ngoma, and Kyankwanzi to improve accessibility,” he said.
The MPs trekking to the Ngoma State Lodge and Farm, where they were hosted by the President
Before the close of the retreat, President Museveni hosted the MPs at Ngoma State Lodge and Farm, where he led them on a tour of the farm. The group walked through the cattle fields and proceeded to the bridge between River Mayanja and River Kafu, an area the President described as historically significant in Uganda’s liberation struggle.
Speaking during the final session, the President emphasized the historical and strategic importance of Kyankwanzi. “This place is very important for two reasons,” he said.
Masindi Barracks attack
He recalled that on February 20, 1984, the National Resistance Army (NRA) mobile brigade, led by Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho (Salim Saleh), attacked and overran Masindi Barracks after trekking for days from Kanyara.
“They had walked for many miles and attacked Masindi Barracks. We were monitoring through the radio, and I intercepted communications from Obote’s forces saying they had been attacked and overrun,” he said. Museveni added that he immediately set off on foot to link up with the fighters.
“I left at about 10:00am and walked. We slept near a place nearby and later crossed into Kyankwanzi, where we linked up with Saleh’s force,” he noted.
He revealed that after the war, he decided to secure the land for national purposes. “After the war, I said I will buy this land for the movement because it was a good area. Eventually, the government acquired it, and that is why we are here today,” he said.
The President noted that the area’s geography, surrounded by rivers such as Mayanja and Kafu, makes it ideal for reflection and ideological orientation. “That is why I always bring you here,” he added.
Weevil of corruption
The President issued a stern warning against corruption, particularly within Parliament.
“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,” he said.
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, revealing 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 (PDM), the President urged proper utilization of funds. “This money we are sending to the people can change their lives if used properly,” he said. He also advised citizens to avoid unnecessary borrowing.
“Do not rush to money lenders or banks because of pressure. Use the resources you have wisely,” he cautioned.
Jessica Alupo, the Vice President, said the Kyankwanzi 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 the legislators to translate the knowledge gained into practical service delivery and improved accountability at all levels.
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