President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has issued a strong warning that Members of Parliament who engage in bribery or corruption will face disqualification, as he concluded the 2026 NRM MPs retreat at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi.

The week-long retreat, which began on April 7 and ended on April 14, 2026, brought together NRM Members of Parliament-elect under the theme: “Aligning the NRM leadership towards protecting the gains and making a bold, qualitative leap towards a higher middle-income status society.”

Speaking during the closing session, Museveni warned that corruption within Parliament threatens national development and must be eliminated without compromise.

“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,” the President said.

He added that any legislator found engaging in bribery, especially in pursuit of leadership positions or influence over budget processes, would be disqualified.

“If we hear that you are giving bribes to get office, you will be disqualified,” Museveni warned.

The President further cautioned that corruption is “suicide” for the country, stressing that it undermines governance and development efforts.

He also cited reports that some officials demand money before passing budgets, describing the practice as dangerous and unacceptable.

Museveni reiterated his call for leaders to uphold discipline and integrity, noting that Parliament must set the standard in the fight against corruption.

Beyond the anti-corruption message, the President also urged MPs to champion the transition of Ugandans from subsistence production to the money economy, emphasizing agriculture and value addition as key drivers of transformation.

He highlighted progress in Uganda’s cattle corridor and encouraged farmers to adopt improved pasture systems to increase productivity.

NRM Commitment

The Secretary General of the NRM, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, said MPs committed to a zero-tolerance stance on corruption and pledged to align parliamentary decisions with national development priorities.

Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo commended the MPs for completing the retreat, urging them to apply the ideological training in their leadership roles.