NALI belongs to the nation, not NRM — Govt Chief Whip

KAMPALA - Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua has responded to allegations raised by the Opposition regarding the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi district.

Contrary to claims, he said the institute belongs to the nation and not the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

"If the National Unity Platform (NUP), Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) would want to access and use that facility, please make the best use of the offices here," he said.

"You can have your training [there], and you will benefit from the facilitators."

NALI was previously called the National School of Political Education.
Obua said the facility helped shape his and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa’s political careers when they were student leaders in the late 1990s.

“I was NRM, he was also NRM. The Forum for Democratic Change [FDC] was not there. We were all subscribing to the ruling government at that point in time. When political parties came, somehow, he dashed to the other side. I remained here," said Obua.

"But you can see after testing the waters on the other side, he has come. So, I invite you friends on the other side to please join the Rt. Hon. Deputy Speaker where he has come."

This prompted the informal whip of independents, Butembe County MP David Livingstone Zijjan, to ask whether NALI aligns with the dogma of other rival political organizations.

"When we come to NALI or any party goes to NALI, will you allow us or them to conduct our or their business and affairs without interference?" he posed.

In response, the Government Chief Whip said every game has its rules, which all participants are expected to respect.

"The National Leadership Institute has rules and regulations. The moment you enter, the first session, you are taken through the rules and regulations of that institution. 

"And they will apply to you from the time you enter until the time you exit."

In its report on the ministerial policy statements for 2025/2O26, Parliament's presidential affairs committee — chaired by Isingiro South MP Alex Bakunda Byarugaba (NRM) — recommended that NALI be allocated an additional sh7.5 billion to facilitate its development.

Funding gap

Two years ago, Government spent sh7.9 billion to construct accommodation facilities at NALI, which were inaugurated by President Yoweri Museveni. 

Despite these interventions, the institute still needs housing, office, and training facilities.

Some old housing blocks are dilapidated and, therefore, need refurbishment to attain standards that befit their clientele.

During interactions with the mother ministry, MPs were informed that the institute has often used syndicate rooms meant for training to house trainees.

Collectively, the Office of the President requires sh10 billion in the forthcoming fiscal year (2025/2026). However, funds that had been earmarked were sh2.5 billion.