By Karim Were
Members of parliament, CEC officials, and Independents set off from Kololo Ceremonial Grounds early this week, heading to the Kyankwanzi National Leadership Institute for a seven-day retreat.
The participants arrived in different vehicles, chatting briefly before registering at the tents and boarding buses arranged for the journey.
Among the attendees is the President General of the Democratic Party and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao.
At the Kololo grounds, NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong said the retreat is designed to “re-align the leadership in the party towards the goals set up in the manifesto. We are moving to align the strategic leadership of the country towards those basic goals and making sure they understand the core of the manifesto.”
First-time MPs and first-time attendees described the retreat as an opportunity to deliberate on the country’s priorities over the next five years.
Patrick Wakida said, “I am going to learn about NRM,” while Patrick Katabazi, MP-elect for Rukiga, added, “It is an opportunity to plan for the country.”
Norbert Mao noted the importance of the retreat for shaping the 12th Parliament. “The 12th Parliament is like a midwife, who will be delivering the future of Uganda, and that is my expectation in this retreat,” he said.
Hassan Mukiibi Sserujongi, MP-elect for Bukomansimbi South, said he was attending to understand and engage with the NRM manifesto, which addresses issues affecting his constituents.
“In their manifesto there is the Ssembabule-Mateete road, that has been pending for years. As MP-elect for Bukomansimbi South, I want to be present and ask questions that will benefit my constituents. In politics, you have to work with those in power irrespective of your differences in ideology,” he said.
Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua emphasized the importance of the retreat for new MPs.
“This is very important where new members are initiated before the new Parliament takes shape,” he said, noting that the orientation also helps members understand the NDP IV.
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