By Karim Were
Museveni Urges NRM MPs to Prioritize Grassroots Engagement Over Foreign Travel
President Yoweri Museveni has challenged newly elected National Resistance Movement (NRM) Members of Parliament to rethink their approach to leadership, emphasizing that real impact lies within their constituencies rather than in international engagements.
Addressing the legislators during a campfire session at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi, Museveni stressed that meaningful leadership begins with a deep understanding of the everyday realities faced by citizens. He urged MPs to immerse themselves in their communities, gathering firsthand knowledge about household incomes and identifying families still excluded from the money economy.
The President expressed concern that frequent foreign trips and heavy involvement in parliamentary committee activities risk detaching leaders from the people they serve. Instead, he encouraged a shift toward consistent field presence, where MPs can directly engage with constituents and better align government programs with local needs.
Museveni also warned legislators against accumulating personal debt while trying to meet community expectations, advising them to leverage existing government initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods.
Highlighting development priorities, he pointed to infrastructure gaps in regions like Karamoja, noting that investments such as dams are essential to sustain livestock farming and strengthen rural economies.
His message underscored a broader call for practical, community-centered leadership, urging MPs to focus their efforts where they matter most—on the ground with the people.
