President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has issued a blunt warning to National Resistance Movement (NRM) Members of Parliament against borrowing money or using personal resources to please voters, cautioning that such practices are unsustainable and politically dangerous.
Speaking during a campfire session at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, Museveni told legislators that leadership should not be reduced to personal spending or financial handouts, urging them to instead rely on structured government programs to drive development.
“Do not use your money or go into debts. What I am telling you is what I did,” Museveni said, drawing from his own early political experience.
The President warned that many politicians fall into the trap of trying to meet every community demand using personal funds, often ending up financially strained without achieving lasting impact. He emphasized that real transformation comes from empowering households to generate their own income rather than depending on leaders for handouts.
Museveni encouraged MPs to shift their focus toward mobilizing communities into productive economic activities such as coffee growing, fruit farming, dairy, poultry, piggery, and fish farming. According to him, these enterprises, when properly supported, can sustainably move families into the money economy.
He further advised legislators to spend more time in their constituencies, engaging directly with households to understand their needs and guide them toward wealth creation. He noted that excessive time spent on foreign trips and parliamentary engagements can distract leaders from their core responsibility of serving the people.
Using his home area as an example, Museveni revealed that sustained mobilization has enabled about 1,700 out of 2,300 households to transition into income-generating activities—progress he attributed to consistent engagement rather than financial handouts.
The President also highlighted the importance of targeted government interventions, particularly in regions like Karamoja, where water infrastructure such as dams is essential to support livestock farming and improve livelihoods.
Vice President Jessica Alupo praised Museveni’s message, noting that his guidance continues to shape the country’s approach to socio-economic transformation.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa urged MPs to align with the President’s strategy, emphasizing that sustainable development requires coordinated efforts rather than individual spending.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja echoed the call for discipline among legislators, urging them to support government programs as the primary vehicle for delivering services to citizens.
Museveni concluded by reminding MPs that attempting to “buy” political support through personal spending or borrowing not only weakens their financial standing but also undermines long-term development, urging them to focus instead on empowering communities to achieve lasting economic independence.
