By Karim Were
Museveni Uses Saleh’s War Legacy to Rally NRM MPs on Patriotism and Governance Reform
President Yoweri Museveni has used the legacy of his brother, Caleb Akandwanaho (Gen. Salim Saleh), to inspire newly elected NRM legislators to embrace patriotism and accountability as they begin their parliamentary duties.
Speaking during a retreat at the National Leadership Institute Kyankwanzi, Museveni reflected on Saleh’s early decision to abandon school and join the liberation struggle at just 16, portraying it as a defining example of commitment to national service. He emphasized that such sacrifice should serve as a benchmark for leaders entrusted with shaping Uganda’s future.
The President also used the occasion to commission new infrastructure at the institute, including a research school named after Saleh and a block honoring Walter Rodney, signaling an effort to institutionalize ideological training within the ruling party.
Beyond recounting wartime contributions, Museveni highlighted Saleh’s post-conflict transition into economic activities, particularly in agriculture and regional development, as a model for integrating leadership with wealth creation initiatives.
However, the retreat also turned attention to governance challenges. Lucy Nakyobe cautioned MPs about growing corruption, especially in public sector recruitment. She pointed to reports of job-buying within district service commissions and urged legislators to strengthen legal frameworks to curb the vice.
Her warning underscored a broader concern that entrenched corruption could erode public trust and undermine national development if not decisively addressed.
The retreat, part of a broader government effort to orient public officials, is expected to equip MPs with ideological grounding while pushing them to confront systemic governance weaknesses.
