Retreat key to aligning NRM MPs with manifesto, says Namayanja

______________

The deputy secretary general of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Rose Namayanja Nsereko, has emphasised the importance of the upcoming Kyankwanzi retreat, describing it as a critical platform to align newly elected Members of Parliament with the party’s manifesto and national development priorities.

Speaking to the media during the ongoing accreditation exercise at Kololo Independence Grounds, Namayanja said the retreat is part of a long-standing party tradition held after every general election.

The initiative, guided by the National Chairman and the Central Executive Committee, ensures that elected leaders are adequately prepared before taking on their legislative responsibilities in Parliament.

She explained that the retreat, organised ahead of the 12th Parliament, will bring together MPs elected on the NRM ticket, as well as independent legislators who have formally associated with the party through a memorandum of understanding.

Members of the Central Executive Committee, senior officials from the party secretariat, and a team of facilitators and presenters will also participate in the sessions.

Namayanja noted that current preparations include accreditation, COVID-19 testing, and distribution of essential materials to guide discussions throughout the retreat.

The sessions are set to officially begin tomorrow, Tuesday, April 7, 2026, with a focus on aligning leaders to the party manifesto while consolidating existing achievements and advancing Uganda’s ambition of attaining higher middle-income status.

“The retreat is designed to help leaders clearly understand the progress already made and their specific roles in ensuring effective implementation of the manifesto,” she said.

According to Namayanja, the programme will cover a wide range of thematic areas, starting with ideological orientation to ground participants as both party leaders and national representatives.

Discussions will also delve into key sectors such as peace and security, education, health, ICT, and infrastructure development, including roads, energy, and water.

She added that special emphasis will be placed on socio-economic transformation through agro-industrialisation, manufacturing, and flagship government programmes like the Parish Development Model and Emyooga. Regional integration will also form part of the discussions.

The retreat is expected to conclude on April 15, 2026, with a closing address from the National Chairman. Namayanja urged all participants to fully commit to the sessions, noting that the training is essential in equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and procedural understanding necessary to effectively execute their legislative and oversight roles.