Kyankwanzi, Uganda: The Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong has urged newly elected Members of Parliament to uphold unity, discipline, and active participation as the party’s high-level retreat commenced at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi.
Addressing legislators at the opening session on Tuesday evening, Todwong described the retreat as a critical platform for orienting leaders on national priorities, parliamentary responsibilities, and the party’s ideological direction ahead of the 12th Parliament.
“We are here at a time when many issues affecting our country require thoughtful deliberation,” Todwong said, urging MPs to minimise distractions and fully engage in discussions.
He emphasised that the retreat offers an opportunity for leaders to reflect on their constituencies, Uganda’s future, and the NRM’s long-term vision, noting that the serene Kyankwanzi environment is designed to support focused dialogue and consensus-building.
Todwong also congratulated MPs on their election, acknowledging the challenges of the electoral process while assuring those with pending petitions of the party’s continued support.
He further extended an olive branch to Independent legislators, revealing that arrangements are underway to integrate willing MPs into the party’s activities through a memorandum of cooperation.
Deputy Secretary General Rose Namayanja-Nsereko outlined the structure and objectives of the retreat, stressing the need for ideological clarity and cohesion within the ruling party.
“The purpose of this retreat is to orient members of the 12th Parliament on the tasks ahead, strengthen cohesion within the caucus, and build consensus on priority actions for this term,” she said.
Namayanja noted that the retreat, running from April 7 to April 15, is anchored on aligning leaders to safeguard Uganda’s gains and accelerate the country’s transition to a higher middle-income status.
She revealed that the programme will feature presentations from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, senior party leaders, Cabinet ministers, technocrats, academia, and private sector players, offering a comprehensive outlook on national development.
Key thematic areas include ideological orientation, parliamentary effectiveness, political economy, human capital development, wealth and job creation, and national security.
Namayanja stressed that the expected outcomes include stronger ideological alignment, improved legislative performance, enhanced unity within the NRM caucus, and a shared roadmap for socio-economic transformation.
Both leaders underscored the importance of discipline and full participation throughout the retreat, with a call on MPs to actively contribute to shaping Uganda’s development agenda.
The week-long retreat brings together newly elected MPs, members of the Central Executive Committee, and senior party officials, and is expected to be officially opened by President Museveni.
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