The NRM Parliamentary Caucus has resolved to intensify the fight against corruption, strengthen monitoring of government programmes and increase vigilance against crime, particularly livestock and coffee theft and murders across the country.
The resolutions were adopted on Friday during the NRM Parliamentary Caucus meeting of the 12th Parliament held at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala.
The meeting brought together NRM MPs and senior party leaders, with President Yoweri Museveni providing strategic guidance to the caucus before the resolutions were adopted.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Government Chief Whip Dr Jane Ruth Aceng said the caucus wants its members to reconnect with citizens at grassroots level and take a more active role in monitoring government programmes.
The MPs resolved to use what Aceng described as the traditional NRA/NRM approach of engaging citizens through community meetings while supervising programmes in local governments, health and education.
On corruption, Aceng said the Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, is already moving across local governments to engage citizens and identify cases of corruption that require action.
She said the minister is working with the police, State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Inspectorate of Government and the Criminal Investigations Directorate.
“Many toes will be stepped on” in the fight against corruption, Aceng said, adding that mistakes made in the process would be corrected through existing systems.
The caucus also raised concern over crime, particularly cattle theft along the cattle corridor, coffee theft and murders reported in different parts of the country.
Aceng said President Museveni had urged MPs to remain vigilant and report cases occurring in their constituencies so they can be followed up by security agencies.
The MPs further resolved to strengthen monitoring of the Parish Development Model (PDM), including ensuring that the 33 percent of Ugandans still outside the money economy are reached. They specifically called for PDM funds meant for persons with disabilities to be given to the intended beneficiaries.
Water production for both domestic use and irrigation was also prioritised, with the caucus linking increased access to water to stable agricultural production and higher yields.
On energy, the MPs pledged support for new hydropower projects, as well as solar and nuclear energy to supplement existing sources. They also backed expansion of the railway network and development of oil refineries.
The caucus reaffirmed its support for political and economic integration of East Africa and Africa, including the creation of a common market.
Aceng clarified that fast-tracking regional integration was beyond the caucus, saying such decisions are handled by heads of state. She said the caucus supports the broader goal of free movement, a common market and easier movement of professionals across East African countries.
On unemployment among trained professionals, Aceng said government could not employ everyone graduating from universities and other institutions.
She urged professionals to explore opportunities in the private sector, entrepreneurship and other East African countries, while noting that government would continue recruiting to fill staffing gaps in the public sector.
Aceng said the resolutions are intended to keep NRM MPs focused on the party manifesto and renew their commitment to its implementation.
