In 15 pictures: Museveni leads MPs in target practice

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 TARGET PRACTICE 

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Wednesday took Members of Parliament through target practice at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi and used the session to emphasise national defence, discipline, and the fight against corruption. It was the last activity of the MP’s retreat which officially concluded on Tuesday. 

The one-week retreat that started on April 7 was held under the theme: “Aligning the NRM leadership towards protecting the gains and making a bold, qualitative leap towards a higher middle-income status society.” 

Museveni personally guided the legislators on basic firearms handling.

“I congratulate the participants. I can see some of them are veterans,” said the President.

He said Uganda’s security is anchored on the concept of a people’s army, where citizens are trained and can return to civilian life but remain available as a reserve force when needed.

“Ours is a people’s army. We encourage citizens to learn the science of arms so that in case of any threat, we can mobilise numbers for national defence."

Museveni said that such a system enables even countries with smaller populations to build strong defence capacity through continuous training and mobilisation of reservists.

“This is how you maximise defence. People train, go back to their normal lives, but remain ready. That is what they do in countries like Israel, where citizens are called back for refresher training."

Reflecting on Uganda’s experience, the President cited past instances where trained local defence units were mobilised to respond to security challenges, underscoring the importance of preparedness.

On his part, Col. Okei Rukogota, the director of NALI, thanked the President for recently inaugurating the shooting range, noting that it will support the continued training of civilians in basic defence skills. He said the initiative is in line with the President’s long-standing guidance that, wherever possible, citizens should be equipped with practical skills to enhance security and reduce violence.

“This is testimony that you have never been a dictator, because dictators cannot empower citizens with the means of defence,” said Rukogota.

He also commended the President for continuing to equip the citizens with the capacity to safeguard the country’s democratic and transformation processes.

As the retreat came to a close, Museveni urged the legislators to return to their constituencies with a renewed commitment to service, integrity, and wealth creation among wananchi (the citizens).

Uganda’s transformation, he noted, depends on disciplined leadership, elimination of corruption, and empowering citizens to participate in the money economy.

“I wish you good luck as you go back to serve your constituencies."