Museveni calls for ideological clarity as Cabinet begins 10-day induction

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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged Cabinet Ministers and Ministers of State to fully commit themselves to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation agenda, calling for a decisive shift from subsistence living to a modern and industrialised economy.

He made the remarks on Monday (June 15) while opening a 10-day Cabinet Induction Retreat at the National Leadership Institute (NALI), Kyankwanzi, attended by newly appointed ministers and senior government officials.

President Museveni waves to cabinet ministers as he arrives at Kyankwanzi to preside over the opening ceremony of the cabinet retreat that started off on Monday. (PPU Photo)

Describing Kyankwanzi as “a place of sacrifice,” President Museveni reminded leaders that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) was built on selflessness and service to the people.

“This is a place of sacrifice. The NRM is a party of sacrifice. People who let us down are people looking for their own things,” he said.

The President warned ministers against ideological confusion, stressing that leadership must be grounded in political education and a clear understanding of national purpose rather than personal ambition.

President Museveni salutes on his arrival to preside over the opening ceremony of the ministers retreat at Kyankwanzi on Monday. (PPU Photo)

Quoting from the Church of Uganda prayer book, he observed that some leaders “leave undone what they ought to have done,” noting that the retreat was designed to correct such tendencies.

“I have noticed a decline in political awareness among leaders. In order to help yourself, you must understand how to help your people,” President Museveni said.

He drew a distinction between political education and propaganda, saying effective leadership depends on knowledge and ideological clarity.

“Political education is knowledge and understanding, whereas propaganda is merely about exciting people,” he said.

(L-R) Vice President Jesca Alupo, Persis Namuganza and Premier Nabbanja and other ministers going through a session of drills during a cabinet retreat at Kyankwanzi on Monday. (PPU Photo)

President Museveni also warned that since 1986, elements had attempted to infiltrate government institutions for personal gain, including businessmen, careerists, criminals and individuals seeking enrichment.

He said such conduct undermines transformation and called for discipline, integrity and patriotism in public service.

Reflecting on global economic history, the President cited Karl Marx, describing him as a strong analyst despite disagreements with his conclusions.

Attorney General Sam Mayanja (L), Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Minister Sanjay Tanna (R) and other cabinet ministers attending a retreat at Kyankwanzi on Monday. (PPU Photo)

“By 1848, Karl Marx had identified several social systems. I do not agree with some of his conclusions, but he was one of the best analysts,” he said.

He traced societal evolution from primitive communalism to slave societies, feudalism, capitalism and socialism, saying leaders must understand these stages to transform economies.

President Museveni criticised the colonial economic structure introduced after 1894, saying it locked Uganda into raw material production.

Government Chief Whip Jane Ruth Aceng and other ministers attending a cabinet retreat at Kyankwanzi on Monday. (PPU Photo)

“They were not interested in creating a modern society. By 1962, only nine percent of Uganda’s population was in the money economy,” he said.

He said Uganda’s economy at Independence was based on the “3Cs and 3Ts” and stressed the need for value addition.

“The purpose of leadership is to transform society. We must move our people from subsistence production into the money economy and build a modern society,” he said.

Minister for Elderly Affairs Jacqueline Mbabazi (L) and other ministers attending a ministers retreat at Kyankwanzi on Monday. (PPU Photo)

He identified commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services and ICT as key drivers of transformation, urging ministers to mobilise citizens into wealth creation.

President Museveni also called for collective approaches to land use and improved agricultural practices, particularly in the cattle corridor.

“We cannot continue to have peasants in Uganda. Every family must move from subsistence living into the middle class or the skilled working class,” he emphasised.

Vice President Jessica Alupo said the President’s election victory reflected continued public trust and pledged Cabinet commitment to fighting corruption.

State Minister for Northern Uganda Beatrice Akello (L) and Ethics and Integrity minister Rose Lilly Akello attending the ministers retreat at Kyankwanzi on Monday. (PPU Photo)

“We shall confront corruption and deliver diligently,” she pledged.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja also pledged commitment to implementation, saying government would intensify monitoring of programmes.

“Your Excellency, the theme of this retreat directly aligns with your call: no more sleep, no more corruption,” she said.

Head of Public Service Lucy Nakyobe Mbonye told ministers to prioritise results and warned against complacency.

She said the retreat, themed: “Leading Government with Integrity, Discipline and Results: Delivering Uganda to Upper Middle-Income Status,” was intended to equip ministers with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective service.

President Museveni (C) poses for a photo with Ministers of State during a cabinet retreat that started off on Monday at Kyankwanzi. (PPU Photo)

“The President has sounded a wake-up call. You must all go to the field and work there. No more time for relaxing and rolling away your chairs,” she cautioned.

Nakyobe further urged leaders to lead by example in the fight against corruption, describing graft as a major obstacle to Uganda’s aspiration of attaining upper-middle-income status.

The retreat is expected to provide ministers with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of government priorities and align their work with Uganda’s development agenda for the 2026–2031 period.