President Yoweri Museveni has called on newly elected Members of Parliament to embrace financial discipline and ideological clarity as they prepare to serve in the 12th Parliament.

Speaking on the third day of the ongoing NRM leaders’ retreat at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi on Thursday, April 2, 2026, the President stressed that sound financial management and principled leadership are critical for effective service and personal stability.

“I was pleased to hear presentations by experts on personal financial management and wealth creation for leaders. These are crucial areas that you must take seriously,” Museveni said.

He warned that ideological weakness often leads to costly mistakes, citing conflicts during party primaries, bribery, and arrests as symptoms of “ideological underdevelopment.”

“The future is bright and everything is there, but you must be ideologically clear. If you are not, you will end up making mistakes. Always weigh your actions according to principles,” he added.

The President urged the new legislators to avoid shortcuts and to practise principled politics from the beginning of their term.

The retreat also featured expert sessions on financial management. Prof. Moses Muhwezi, Principal of Makerere University Business School, cautioned MPs against “sudden wealth syndrome” and lifestyle inflation.

“Lifestyle inflation is dangerous. As your income increases, your expenses also rise, which affects savings and investment,” Prof. Muhwezi warned.

He advised the legislators to plan early, invest wisely, and maintain consistent savings, emphasising that “income alone does not create wealth; it is investment that creates wealth.”

Another facilitator, Arthur Kiwanuka, encouraged the MPs to build financial resilience by investing in sustainable sectors such as agriculture.

The Kyankwanzi retreat brings together NRM leaders, cabinet ministers, and newly elected MPs for ideological orientation and strategic discussions ahead of the 12th Parliament.