Obua Reveals NRM Caucus Discussion with M7, Shrugs Off Kawempe Election Violence

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Parliamentary Caucus, led by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, met at State House on March 7, 2025, to discuss budget priorities for the 2025–2026 financial year, corruption, and the impact of USAID funding withdrawal.

NRM Chief Whip Hon. Hamson Obua outlined ten key areas that will guide resource allocation:

Peace, Security, and Rule of Law – Ensuring stability and justice.

Human Capital Development – Improving healthcare, education, water access, and social protection.

Economic Growth – Supporting initiatives like the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and Uganda Development Bank (UDB).

Infrastructure Development – Investing in railways, roads, electricity, water, and ICT.

Regional Integration – Expanding trade and market access.

Agricultural Stability – Enhancing irrigation for food security.

Industrial Growth – Promoting manufacturing and agro-processing.

Fighting Corruption – Strengthening efforts to prevent misuse of public funds.

Environmental Protection – Safeguarding wetlands and forests.

Economic Integration – Strengthening linkages in the economy.

Response to Kawempe North By-election Violence

Hon. Obua stated that the caucus did not discuss the previous violence in the Kawempe North by-election but urged Ugandans to uphold the law. He reminded citizens of their duty under Article 17 of the Constitution to cooperate with authorities, emphasizing that national stability depends on collective responsibility.

"Every Ugandan is duty-bound under our Constitution to cooperate with lawful agencies in the maintenance of law and order. Again, the frontier of rule of law starts with you and me, the Ugandan citizens, to cooperate with lawful agencies in the maintenance of law and order. The moment we fail to cooperate, that is when we degenerate into what we are seeing."

Hon. Obua compared corruption to a serious illness, stressing that it must be fought on four fronts:

Citizen Responsibility – Everyone must play a role.

Legal Framework – Strengthening enforcement of anti-corruption laws.

Enforcement Agencies – Ensuring strict adherence to regulations.

Government Support – Increasing funding for anti-corruption efforts.

He reassured the public that the government remains committed to fighting corruption at all levels.

Following the withdrawal of USAID funding, particularly in the health sector, Minister Musasizi confirmed that the government has allocated UGX 200 billion as an initial response. He noted that an audit of domestic arrears, estimated at UGX 2.8 trillion, is ongoing to assess financial needs.

"We will not allow our people to suffer because of this withdrawal," Musasizi said, adding that discussions with the Ministry of Health are underway to ensure continued service delivery.

Feel free to share your thoughts on this matter in the comment section below. For more details, please visit the link provided. Don't forget to follow me for further updates.