President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged NRM leaders to return to what he described as the party’s “correct methods” and intensify supervision of government programmes to ensure they deliver tangible benefits to Ugandans.
The President made the remarks on Friday while addressing the NRM Parliamentary Caucus at Kololo Independence Grounds, where he challenged legislators to take greater responsibility for monitoring government initiatives at community level.
Museveni said leaders should particularly ensure that the Parish Development Model (PDM) reaches its intended beneficiaries, linking the programme to his broader push to move Ugandans into productive economic activity.
“This is why PDM must reach the people,” Museveni said in a statement issued after the meeting.
The President has repeatedly stressed that government programmes must translate into improved household incomes and productive activity. In his 2026 State of the Nation Address, he said programmes including PDM, Emyooga, NAADS and Operation Wealth Creation are intended to help households transition into the money economy.
Museveni orders protection of wetlands
Museveni also used the caucus meeting to renew his call for the protection of Uganda’s wetlands, directing leaders to ensure that people occupying wetlands leave the protected areas.
“While our wetlands must be protected. Those occupying them must get out,” he said.
The President proposed fish farming as an alternative livelihood for affected communities, particularly in the Busoga, Bukedi and Kigezi sub-regions.
He said government would help people who are moved from wetlands transition into fish farming, arguing that the activity could generate income while also providing water that can be used for irrigation.
“In Busoga, Bukedi and Kigezi, we shall help them move to fish farming, giving us income as well as water for irrigation,” Museveni said.
The remarks add a livelihood component to the government’s push to protect wetlands, with the President indicating that communities affected by enforcement should be supported to adopt alternative productive activities.
President demands action from NRM MPs
Museveni’s address also focused on the performance of NRM leaders and their responsibility to follow up government programmes.
He told the caucus that leaders should return to the principles and working methods of the NRM and ensure government interventions are properly implemented on the ground.
The President has previously criticised poor supervision of government programmes, saying elected leaders have a responsibility to monitor projects and ensure public resources reach their intended beneficiaries.
The caucus meeting was attended by senior NRM officials, including Second Deputy Prime Minister Dr Crispus Kiyonga, members of the NRM Central Executive Committee and party officials led by Secretary General Richard Todwong.
Museveni’s latest message comes at the beginning of his new 2026–2031 term, with his administration placing emphasis on implementation, economic transformation and moving more households into commercial production.
For the NRM parliamentary caucus, the President’s instructions place MPs at the centre of monitoring whether government programmes such as PDM are producing results at household and community level, while also supporting enforcement of environmental protection measures.
