President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged newly elected Members of Parliament to prioritize fiscal prudence and ideological grounding as they prepare for service in the 12th Parliament.
Addressing attendees at the National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders’ retreat in Kyankwanzi, President Museveni underscored the critical importance of sound financial management and principled leadership for effective governance and personal financial stability. He highlighted expert presentations on personal finance and wealth creation, urging legislators to take these areas seriously.
Museveni emphasized Uganda’s promising future but cautioned that leaders must possess a firm ideological foundation to avoid errors. He attributed persistent political challenges, such as conflicts during party primaries, bribery, and arrests, to ideological deficiencies among leaders, appealing to them to practice principled politics and avoid shortcuts.
Furthermore, President Museveni stressed the significance of long-term planning and self-reliance among leaders, advocating for financial independence from the outset of their terms.
Expert sessions at the retreat focused on financial discipline, with facilitators cautioning against reckless spending and poor financial planning. Professor Moses Muhwezi, Principal of Makerere University Business School, warned against the dangers of “sudden wealth syndrome” and lifestyle inflation, where increased income leads to unsustainable increases in expenses. He advised MPs to plan early, invest wisely, and maintain consistent savings. Arthur Kiwanuka further encouraged legislators to build financial resilience and invest in sustainable sectors like agriculture.
The event saw participation from key figures including Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Anitah Among, Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, NRM Central Executive Committee members, newly elected NRM MPs, and party-aligned independent legislators.
