President Museveni has issued a stern warning to newly elected National Resistance Movement (NRM) Members of Parliament, cautioning that corruption within government ranks threatens both national progress and the party’s credibility.

Speaking during the NRM  leaders retreat in Kyankwanzi, Museveni said he would not hesitate to take drastic action against corrupt officials.

“Don’t involve yourselves in corruption. I won’t tolerate corruption,” he said. “If it is necessary to have a new war, I will have it.”

He described corruption as a dangerous vice that undermines national development and sets a bad example across society.

“Corruption is cowardice,” Museveni said. “You fear to confront life and go for shortcuts.”

The President singled out concerns over the misuse of government programs, including the Parish Development Model (PDM), which has faced complaints from citizens.

“Many people around the country during campaigns were complaining about misuse of PDM,” he said. “There were individual cases of success, but you would hear complaints.”

He urged the new legislators to take responsibility and ensure public resources reach intended beneficiaries.

“The young cadres of NRM who have just been elected—if you capture these, you can’t go wrong,” he added.

Museveni noted that Uganda’s economy has continued to grow despite governance challenges, largely driven by private sector activity and stability maintained by security forces.

“Even when government is inefficient and corrupt, the economy is growing,” he said. “It is because of the private sector and the army which guards peace.”

However, he warned that corruption could reverse these gains if left unchecked.

“If you are corrupt, you will not only misuse government resources but you will become a bad example,” he said. “Many people will copy you—and where will the country be?”

Museveni framed the fight against corruption within the broader ideological foundation of the NRM, urging MPs to go beyond political loyalty and embrace disciplined leadership.

“You are now not only followers of the NRM but also leaders,” he said. “There is a difference between a follower and a leader.”

He likened the legislators to ideological custodians. “You are now priests of the NRM… It is important you consolidate whatever you already know.”

The President stressed that leadership requires a deep understanding of societal challenges and moral responsibility.

“A political leader must carry out diagnosis of the people… understand their problems and design solutions,” he said.

Museveni also warned that divisions based on identity—such as tribe, religion or clan—can weaken state institutions and fuel instability.

“If you see wars going on, many are caused by disorientation of identity,” he said. “People want to be big fish in small ponds, but when real challenges come, you don’t have enough.”

He cited examples of fragile states struggling to build cohesive institutions due to internal divisions.

“Somalia cannot build a strong army because of clan divisions,” he said. “When you train soldiers, they disappear into clans.”

He emphasised national and continental unity as essential: “Uganda is more important than Ankole, and Africa is more important than Uganda.”

In a personal anecdote, Museveni highlighted the long-term value of honest work compared to short-term gains from corruption.

“Amos Kaguta in 1965 separated for me 22 cows,” he said. “If you steal my 22 cows now, there are thousands.”

Museveni urged MPs to uphold integrity as they take on leadership roles, warning that corruption could derail both the country’s progress and the ruling party’s mission.

“This generation must create prosperity for African people,” he said. “But you cannot do that if you divert resources meant for the people.”