NRM Delegates Convene For SIGs National Conference As Museveni Rallies Against Corruption

By Frank Kamuntu

The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) today convened thousands of delegates at Kololo Independence Grounds for the inaugural National Conference of Special Interest Groups (SIGs), a historic gathering that will culminate in elections of representatives from various constituencies including Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Women, Youth, Veterans, Workers, and Entrepreneurs.

The conference opened with guidance from NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, who briefed delegates on the electoral procedures to govern this afternoon’s ballot. He emphasized transparency, orderliness, and adherence to the party’s constitution to ensure credible outcomes in the selection of SIG representatives.

Museveni Charts Economic Milestones and Future Vision

Addressing the gathering, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni highlighted Uganda’s remarkable economic transformation, underscoring the leap from a GDP of $3.9 billion in 1986 to $66 billion today. He explained that the country has undergone five key economic phases: minimum recovery, production expansion, diversification, value addition, and the knowledge economy.

“We already have local innovations like the Kira electric buses, vaccine production, and computer manufacturing. Uganda is now moving towards becoming a high middle-income country worth $500 billion,” Museveni said.

He urged all Ugandans to abandon subsistence farming for income-generating activities, pointing out that while 67% of households are now integrated into the money economy, one-third remain outside. Citing the case of Serere farmer Joseph Ijara, who earns UGX 3 million daily from just 2.5 acres, the President reaffirmed the four wealth-creation pillars: commercial agriculture, manufacturing and artisan industries, services such as tourism, and ICT innovations.

War on Corruption and Service Delivery

Museveni also pressed delegates to champion the fight against corruption, which he described as the greatest enemy to service delivery. He particularly warned against the embezzlement of Parish Development Model funds, bribes in local government recruitment, and theft of public resources.

“Don’t allow corrupt people to steal Parish Development Model funds or demand bribes. Stop those who steal public money—we shall arrest them,” he declared.

The President further called on communities to hold leaders accountable in areas such as road maintenance—each district currently receives UGX 1.3 billion annually—and police performance in crime prevention.

On education, Museveni reemphasized the need to enforce free Universal Primary and Secondary Education, castigating head teachers who impose illegal charges on parents. “Let us not let down the children of the poor. Stop these abuses of charging school fees. Support me to fully implement free education,” he said.

Health & Social Welfare

The President lauded Uganda’s immunization drive, crediting it for eradicating smallpox and drastically reducing measles cases. He urged vigilance against the theft of medicines in public health facilities and promoted a culture of preventive healthcare among citizens.

Party Unity

In his remarks, NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong called on members to prioritize the party’s mission above personal ambition. “We are members of one family. Focus on the bigger picture—the mission, objectives, and goals—rather than personal ambitions,” he cautioned.

This evening, delegates will cast their votes to elect representatives of the various Special Interest Groups, a process expected to shape the internal architecture of the ruling party as it positions itself for future national contests.