President Yoweri Museveni has thrown down the gauntlet to his newly appointed ministers, warning them that government leadership is about serving Ugandans—not occupying prestigious offices or enjoying the privileges that come with power.
The President delivered the strong message as he officially arrived at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi to preside over the Cabinet Induction Retreat, a week-long orientation designed to prepare ministers for the demanding task of implementing the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government’s agenda.
Held under the theme, “Leading Government with Integrity, Discipline, and Results; Delivering Uganda to Upper Middle-Income Status,” the retreat seeks to instill discipline, strengthen coordination among ministries and sharpen the government’s focus on service delivery, wealth creation and socio-economic transformation.
Upon arriving at the retreat, President Museveni reminded ministers that public office comes with enormous responsibility.”Leadership is not all about occupying offices, but discovering your responsibility to the people,” the President told Cabinet members, emphasizing that Ugandans expect tangible results rather than empty promises.His remarks set the tone for what is expected to be an intensive week of learning, reflection and planning as ministers align themselves with government priorities.
NO TIME FOR LUXURY
Unlike the comfort often associated with high public office, life at Kyankwanzi follows a strict military-style routine.Ministers begin their day before sunrise with physical exercises supervised by instructors from the National Leadership Institute.
The demanding schedule was vividly described by Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao, who shared his first day’s experience at the retreat through his social media diary.
According to Mao, sleep is almost a luxury. “‘Here we don’t sleep. We rest!’ a voice shouted in the corridor,” Mao recounted, explaining how military instructors woke everyone at exactly 5:15 a.m.Although he had already been awake reading his daily devotional, Mao quickly joined fellow ministers for the morning routine.
By 6:00 a.m., ministers had assembled on the road leading to the institute’s main gate where renowned instructor Afande Nyakairu, popularly known as “Afande Nyaks,” was already commanding dozens of participants through physical drills.
The ministers stretched, sang together and later embarked on a morning jog up a gentle hill before looping back to the training grounds. The exercises became even tougher as instructors ordered participants to perform rocking, twisting and rolling drills before lying flat on the tarmac and raising their legs repeatedly.
Standing on their toes for several counts completed the physically demanding session.Reflecting on the experience, Mao humorously admitted that the exercises reminded him to pay closer attention to his body’s limits. “Resolution: I have to listen to my body more,” he joked.
BUILDING A DISCIPLINED CABINET
The retreat is not only about physical fitness. According to the Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, Lucy Nakyobe the programme is intended to build a disciplined, united and performance-oriented Cabinet capable of delivering on the NRM manifesto.With Uganda targeting upper middle-income status, ministers are expected to improve service delivery, strengthen accountability and ensure government programmes produce measurable benefits for citizens.
Nakyobe believes the retreat will offer an opportunity for ministers from different sectors to understand national priorities and coordinate more effectively in implementing government policies.The training also seeks to reinforce integrity in public service at a time when government continues to emphasize the fight against corruption and wastage of public resources.
NRM CONFIDENT OF BETTER PERFORMANCE
The ruling NRM says the Kyankwanzi retreat comes at a crucial time as newly appointed ministers settle into their responsibilities.Party leaders believe the orientation will strengthen coordination across government institutions and improve implementation of the NRM manifesto.
The week-long sessions are expected to cover governance, patriotism, economic transformation, wealth creation, accountability and strategic planning.
Senior government officials will also guide ministers on the expectations attached to their portfolios and the need for teamwork in achieving national development goals.
BALAAM PRAISES MUSEVENI
Among those attending the retreat is Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, who praised President Museveni’s leadership. Sharing his thoughts after the opening sessions, Balaam described the President as an exceptional source of wisdom and inspiration.
“Day One in Kyankwanzi, sharing knowledge and learning from the best President on earth, His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni,” Balaam wrote.
He added that he was grateful for the guidance and leadership being provided during the retreat as ministers prepare to serve Ugandans with dedication and patriotism.Balaam concluded by expressing optimism that the lessons learned in Kyankwanzi would strengthen government service delivery.
PRESSURE TO DELIVER
The retreat comes as expectations continue to rise among Ugandans who are demanding better healthcare, improved education, quality roads, job creation and faster implementation of government programmes.President Museveni has repeatedly challenged ministers to focus on solving citizens’ problems rather than becoming comfortable in office.
Political observers say the Kyankwanzi induction provides the President with an opportunity to personally communicate his expectations to every member of Cabinet while reinforcing discipline and accountability.
Whether the lessons learned in Kyankwanzi translate into improved government performance will ultimately be judged by the public through the quality of services delivered over the coming months and years. For now, however, ministers have little time to relax.As the military instructors at Kyankwanzi remind them every morning, “Here we don’t sleep. We rest.”And with President Museveni demanding integrity, discipline and results, Uganda’s newest Cabinet has officially begun what could be one of the toughest assignments of its political careers.
Author Profile
- Charles Gazza Kodili is a seasoned journalist with over 20 years of experience in the media industry. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication. He’s currently the Chief Editor at the Investigator.
Charles can also be reached via; Tel: +256 774 108978
Email: [email protected]
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