President Museveni and ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party parliamentary caucus have resolved to kick out corruption and electoral malpractices, among other vices.
Mr Museveni, while addressing the ruling NRM party parliamentary caucus last Friday pinpointed health officials who he said were involved in theft of drugs.
‘In health facilities you find there are no drugs, and people are being told to go and buy from drug shops and pharmacies outside. This one must stop. I’m going to check it,’ he added.
The caucus came up with 11 resolutions which they believe would propel forward both the NRM party and the country.
President Museveni sternly warned corrupt officials and those who abscond from work, saying they would be sacked and replaced with young graduates ready to work.
The President also castigated absenteeism among the health workers, particularly doctors who he said are expected to serve in government facilities but are often reported missing from duty.
He said the government had enough qualified young medical professionals who could be recruited to fill positions occupied by workers who do not report for duty.
President Museveni said the government should not continue retaining health workers unwilling to perform their duties when qualified young professionals remain unemployed.
‘We shall reach a point and chase away those who don’t want to work and replace them with young ones,’ he said.
The President also expressed concern over the increasing burden of cancer and diabetes in Uganda, saying the government needed to investigate the causes and strengthen preventive measures.
The President said diseases such as guinea worm, measles, and polio had been significantly controlled but said non-communicable diseases were increasingly becoming a major challenge.
War on corruption
Mr Museveni commended Local Government minister Balaam Barugahara, and deputy Justine Nameere, for their efforts in fighting corruption.
‘I’m glad some members are doing some work – like Balaam Barugahara and Nameere,’ President Museveni said.
He warned that local government officials who abuse the money meant for the Parish Development Model (PDM) would be dealt with decisively. ‘Apparently, this local corruption where you have the LCs or some of the leaders taking the PDM money, that’s how you get local resentment,’ he said.
He warned that keeping quiet about corruption would not help either the government or the population.
‘If you think that keeping quiet is good, it will not help at all. I would really like to mobilise you people to fight corruption without fear, and you will be very popular among the population,’ he told the MPs from the ruling party.
The President directed Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja to instruct Barugahara to investigate allegations of theft and corruption involving PDM funds in a number of districts.
He cited Pakwach, Maracha, Iganga, and Buwambo among the areas where he said allegations of PDM fund theft or misuse had been raised.
‘In Maracha, when I went to campaign, the rally turned into a PDM meeting. PDM is a game changer for your people,’ he told the MPs.
The President urged the legislators and local leaders to monitor the programme, expose diversion, and ensure the beneficiaries receive the intended support.
The President also raised concern over alleged corruption in the recruitment of local government workers.
‘They told me in Kibale [District] a government job was going for Shs10 million,’ President Museveni said.
He tasked the MPs to monitor the recruitment processes and ensure government employment is based on merit rather than the ability to pay.
The 11 resolutions presented by the Government Chief Whip, Dr jane Ruth Aceng, listed supporting strategic government programmes in priority areas of defence, security, railways, roads, irrigation, health, and education.
The MPs also resolved to back the fight against corruption across all sectors of government as part of efforts to promote Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
They also resolved to support discipline and integrity in electoral processes, both within the party and nationally, and to desist from all forms of electoral malpractice.
The MPs also pledged to support the ongoing local council and women’s council elections.
The caucus resolved to study the issue of school fees in public schools and make proposals on how the government can address the challenges.
They further pledged to support value addition, internal markets, and regional integration.
The MPs also resolved to rally behind the candidature of Ambassador Olara Otunnu for the position of secretary general of the United Nations.
Key resolutions
Supporting strategic and priority government programmes in defence, security, railways, roads, irrigation, health, and education.
Continuous support for the fight against corruption across all sectors of government.
Supporting discipline and integrity in electoral processes, both within the party and nationally.
Commitment to the financial contributions agreed upon by the Central Executive Committee, where MPs are expected to contribute Shs250,000 monthly.
Supporting PDM to enhance its uptake and visibility, and strengthen follow-up, check diversion, theft and corruption.
Scrutinise the issue of school fees in public schools and make proposals on addressing the challenge.
Support value addition, internal markets, and regional integration.