Museveni addressing the NRM Caucus meeting on 7th August 2026 at the Speke Resort Beach Munyonyo in Kampala
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The President also expressed concern over the increasing burden of cancer and diabetes in Uganda, saying the government needed to investigate the causes and strengthen preventive measures.
Addressing members of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Parliamentary Caucus on Friday, August 7, 2026 at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala, President Yoweri Museveni noted that infectious diseases such as Guinea worm, measles, and polio had been significantly controlled but said non-communicable diseases were increasingly becoming a major challenge.
“I frequently receive requests from Ugandans seeking assistance to travel abroad, particularly to India, for cancer treatment. What is causing the cancer? Why are cancers so much now? Why is it so rampant?” he asked.
Museveni recalled his earlier concerns about the relationship between fungal contamination and liver cancer and said he had previously taken measures concerning shelled groundnuts.
Cabinet resolutions
“I’m going to make proposals to the Cabinet because cancers and diabetes are becoming too much,” he said.
He said health service delivery had emerged as a major concern during his interactions with citizens, particularly the shortage of medicines at public health facilities and reports of patients being directed to private drug shops and pharmacies to buy medicines.
“Health needs to be addressed. There’s some corruption in the health centers. You don’t find drugs there. Is it because there are no drugs or they’re being stolen?” President Museveni asked.
He said the matter would be discussed by Cabinet, promising to personally follow up on reports of medicine shortages and possible theft.
“In health facilities you find that there are no drugs, and people are being told to go and buy from outside in drug shops and pharmacies. This one must stop. I’m going to check,” he said.
Chronical absenteeism
The President also raised concern over absenteeism among health workers, particularly doctors who are expected to be serving in government facilities but are allegedly absent from their stations.
He said the government had enough qualified young medical professionals who could be recruited to fill positions occupied by workers who do not report for duty.
According to President Museveni, the government should not continue retaining health workers who are unwilling to perform their duties when qualified young professionals remain unemployed.
“We shall reach a point and chase away those who don’t want to work and replace them with young ones,” he said.
The President said improving health service delivery was critical because illness not only affects individual families but also reduces productivity.
“The last time I was sick with malaria was in the bush. Sickness is lost contribution time,” he said.
Balaam, Nameere commended
On corruption, the NRM National Chairman commended some officials of the government whom he said were taking action against corruption at the local level.
He specifically cited Minister for Local Government Balaam Barugahara and his junior Justine Nameere for their efforts in fighting corruption.
“I’m glad some members are doing some work — like Balaam Barugahara and Nameere,” President Museveni said.
He linked some of the resentment among citizens at the local level to alleged theft and diversion of PDM funds by local leaders and other officials.
“Apparently, this local corruption where you have the LCs or some of the leaders taking the PDM money, that’s how you get local resentment,” he said.
President Museveni told MPs that their newly acquired political positions gave them an opportunity to listen to citizens and expose corruption in their constituencies. He urged legislators to become outspoken leaders rather than remain silent in the face of wrongdoing.
“Therefore, now that you are elected, it will be very easy for people to tell you. If you want to be a good leader, be a durable leader, not a seasonal leader. I want you to be good leaders. Speak out,” he said.
Cancer of corruption
President Museveni warned that keeping quiet about corruption would not help either the government or the population.
“If you think that keeping quiet is good, it will not help at all. I would really like to mobilize you people to fight corruption without fear, and you will be very popular among the population,” he said.
The President also directed Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja to instruct Minister Balaam Barugahara to investigate allegations of theft and corruption involving PDM funds in a number of districts.
President Museveni cited Pakwach, Maracha, Iganga, and Buwambo among the areas where he said allegations of PDM fund theft or misuse had been raised.
He recalled that during his campaign visit to Maracha, a political rally effectively turned into a discussion about PDM.
“In Maracha, when I went to campaign, the rally turned into a PDM meeting,” he said.
The President, however, singled out Kasese District for praise, saying he had received reports that PDM was performing well there.
“Where I heard PDM was doing well was in Kasese,” President Museveni said.
He described PDM as a potentially transformative program for households if properly implemented.
NRM adopts 11 resolutions
Following the President’s address, the NRM Parliamentary Caucus adopted 11 resolutions outlining its commitment to supporting government programs and strengthening discipline within the ruling party. The resolutions were presented by Government Chief Whip, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng.
The caucus resolved to support strategic government programs in priority areas, including defense, security, railways, roads, irrigation, health, and education.
It also resolved to continue supporting the fight against corruption across all sectors of government as part of efforts to promote Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
On elections, the caucus resolved to support discipline and integrity in electoral processes, both within the party and nationally, and to desist from all forms of electoral malpractice.
The legislators also pledged continued support for the ongoing and forthcoming local council and women’s council elections.
The caucus further reaffirmed its commitment to the financial contributions agreed upon by the Central Executive Committee.
Under the resolution, MPs are expected to contribute Shs250,000 monthly, comprising Shs150,000 to the NRM Party and Shs100,000 to the NRM Parliamentary Caucus, beginning June 2026.
The caucus also welcomed independent MPs who support the NRM into the parliamentary caucus.
On PDM, the legislators resolved to continue supporting the program, enhance its uptake and visibility, and strengthen follow-up in cases involving diversion, theft and corruption.
The legislators also resolved to study the issue of school fees in public schools and make proposals on how the government can address the challenge.
They further pledged to support value addition, internal markets, and regional integration.
The final resolution was to support the candidature of Ambassador Olara Otunnu for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations.
About the Author
