KYANKWANZI, Uganda — President Yoweri Museveni urged newly elected members of parliament to prioritize financial discipline and ideological reforms as they prepare for the 12th Parliament.
Speaking during the third day of a leadership retreat at the National Leadership Institute, Museveni said sound financial management and principled leadership are critical for effective service and personal stability.
I was pleased to hear presentations by experts on personal financial management and wealth creation for leaders, Museveni said. These are crucial areas that you must take seriously.
The president emphasized that while Uganda’s future is promising, leaders must remain grounded in ideology to avoid professional and personal pitfalls.
The future is bright and everything is there, but you must be ideologically clear, he said. If you are not, you will end up making mistakes. Always weigh your actions according to principles.
Museveni attributed persistent political challenges, including conflicts in party primaries and bribery, to ideological weaknesses. He appealed to the legislators to avoid shortcuts and practice principled politics.
Our financial independence is very important, he added. You must plan from day one.
The retreat featured expert sessions focused on financial discipline, with facilitators warning legislators against reckless spending.
Moses Muhwezi, the principal of Makerere University Business School, cautioned that many leaders fall victim to lifestyle inflation, where expenses rise alongside income, hindering savings and investment.
Income alone does not create wealth; it is investment that creates wealth, Muhwezi said. If you cannot make money while seated, you will work until you die.
Facilitator Arthur Kiwanuka also encouraged the lawmakers to build financial resilience by investing in sustainable sectors such as agriculture.
The event was attended by Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, alongside members of the National Resistance Movement Central Executive Committee and party-leaning independent legislators.
