President Museveni has praised Gen. Salim Saleh, for what he described as his sacrifice and patriotism during Uganda’s liberation struggle, urging young people to emulate his example.
Museveni made the remarks at the National Leadership Institute Kyankwanzi during the seventh day of a retreat for newly elected NRM MPs.
He presided over the laying of a foundation stone for the Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho School of Research and the Walter Rodney Block.
He recounted Saleh’s early involvement in armed struggle, saying he joined the fight against Idi Amin in 1976 at the age of 16 after leaving school in Kako and crossing into Tanzania.
Museveni said Saleh later played a central role in key battles between 1979 and 1986, including in Masindi, Kabamba, Masaka and Kampala.
“People like Saleh should act as good examples to young people to show what patriotism means and how individual actions can contribute to national development,” Museveni said.
He added that after the war, Saleh shifted focus to economic development, particularly in agriculture and wealth creation initiatives, including projects in Kapeka and northern Uganda.
The president also issued a warning against corruption, saying those involved would face consequences. He urged MPs to reject bribes and take a leading role in promoting accountability.
“You in parliament are on the frontline. Do not accept bribes. If you have challenges, report them instead of engaging in corruption,” he said, adding that offenders risk losing their parliamentary seats.
Museveni likened the retreat to a process of renewal, saying political cadres must regularly reaffirm their commitment and discipline, just as religious believers do through worship.
On regional affairs, he called for deeper integration within the East African Community, arguing that fragmented markets and policies hinder economic growth.
He paid tribute to former Tanzanian leaders Julius Nyerere and Benjamin Mkapa for their contribution to regional unity.
The director of the institute, Col. Okei Rukogota, said the new facilities will serve as a centre for ideological training, research and Pan-African studies.
He said the complex will include a multimedia auditorium and studios for both physical and online engagement.
Rukogota said the project is intended to preserve Uganda’s liberation history while advancing what he termed “Musevenomics”, and to honour Saleh’s contribution from the war period to community-based development initiatives such as SACCOs.
Meanwhile, the Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, Lucy Nakyobe, called for stronger patriotism among public servants, warning that corruption remains a major threat to national development.
She said government has introduced mandatory ideological training at Kyankwanzi for newly recruited civil servants and senior officials. Nakyobe expressed concern about corruption in recruitment processes, particularly within district service commissions, where some individuals allegedly pay to secure jobs.
She said corruption is evident in procurement, payroll fraud, absenteeism and bribery in service delivery, and urged Parliament to strengthen oversight and close legal loopholes.
The minister of Health, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng highlighted progress in Uganda’s health sector but stressed the importance of prevention. She said improved nutrition, exercise and healthy lifestyles are critical to reducing the disease burden.
Aceng also noted progress in organ transplant services at Mulago National Referral Hospital, saying more than 12 procedures have been conducted successfully.
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