📷 NRM conference opens with Museveni call to confront poverty, corruption

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President Yoweri Museveni has called on National Resistance Movement (NRM) delegates to prioritise the fight against poverty and corruption while ensuring every household joins the money economy.

Opening the 1st Meeting of the 4th National Conference at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds  on Monday, August 25, the President, accompanied by First Lady and education minister Mrs Janet Museveni, urged thousands of delegates to return to their communities with a mission to “fight poverty in your families, fight corruption… insist that the police fight crime."

The conference, which will elect leaders representing youth, workers, the elderly and persons with disabilities, comes at a time when the NRM is emphasising household wealth creation.

Museveni told delegates that while 68 percent of Ugandans were outside the money economy in 2013, recent figures show 67 percent are now participating.

He outlined the four pillars of the economy as agriculture, industry, services and ICT, citing the example of Serere farmer Joseph Ijaara as proof of what small-scale commercial agriculture can deliver.

The President also highlighted industrial progress with Kiira Motors, vaccine production facilities and an expanding ICT sector, which he said signalled that “Uganda is in the take-off stage.”

On social services, Museveni criticised theft of drugs in health centres, urged proper use of sh1.3 billion disbursed annually to districts for road maintenance, and reaffirmed plans for safe water expansion.

He also made one of his strongest commitments on education: “Once the NRM is voted again, we shall insist on free education in all government schools. Support me so we can fully implement it.”

NRM secretary general Richard Todwong reminded delegates that leadership must remain service-oriented, while NRM electoral commission chairperson Dr Tanga Odoi pledged credible elections for special interest group representatives.