By Our Staff Reporter

KAMPALA — UGANDA – AUGUST 7, 2026
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed government to intensify the fight against corruption, absenteeism and misuse of public resources, particularly in the health sector and the Parish Development Model (PDM).

The President made the call on Friday while addressing members of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Parliamentary Caucus at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala.

Museveni said his recent interactions with citizens during countrywide campaigns had exposed several challenges that require urgent government attention, with health service delivery, corruption, PDM implementation, crime, local government staffing, cancer and other non-communicable diseases among the major concerns.

Health workers warned over absenteeism

The President expressed concern over shortages of medicines in public health facilities and reports that patients are being directed to private pharmacies and drug shops to obtain medicines.

He questioned whether the shortages were caused by inadequate supplies or theft within health facilities, promising to personally follow up on the matter and raise it with Cabinet.

Museveni also criticised absenteeism among health workers, particularly medical personnel who are expected to serve in government facilities but allegedly fail to report to their duty stations.

He warned that government could replace workers who refuse to perform their duties with qualified young professionals who are currently seeking employment.

According to the President, improving health service delivery is essential because sickness affects not only families but also national productivity.

President raises alarm over cancer and diabetes

Museveni also raised concern over the growing number of cancer and diabetes cases in Uganda.

He said the government needs to investigate the causes of the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases while strengthening preventive measures.

The President noted that Uganda had made progress in controlling several infectious diseases but warned that conditions such as cancer and diabetes were increasingly presenting a major challenge.

He said he regularly receives requests from Ugandans seeking financial assistance to travel abroad, particularly to India, for cancer treatment.

PDM corruption comes under scrutiny

The President also turned his attention to the Parish Development Model, warning that the diversion and theft of PDM funds could undermine public confidence in the programme.

He said some local leaders and officials had allegedly diverted money intended for beneficiaries, creating resentment among communities.

Museveni directed Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja to instruct the Minister for Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, to investigate allegations of corruption and theft involving PDM funds in several areas, including Pakwach, Maracha, Iganga and Buwambo.

At the same time, he praised Kasese District, which he said had demonstrated that PDM could deliver positive results when properly implemented.

He described the programme as a potential game changer for households and urged MPs and local leaders to closely monitor its implementation and ensure that beneficiaries receive the intended support.

MPs challenged to expose corruption

Museveni challenged Members of Parliament to become more active in identifying and exposing corruption in their constituencies.

He urged legislators to listen to citizens and speak out whenever they encounter wrongdoing, warning that remaining silent would not help either government or the population.

The President also raised allegations of corruption in local government recruitment, citing claims that government jobs were being sold to applicants.

He told MPs that recruitment should be based on merit rather than an individual’s ability to pay for a position.

Focus on development priorities

Museveni further criticised what he described as excessive attention to the creation of new districts, cities and political positions while major economic development programmes still require attention.

He urged leaders to prioritise areas such as irrigation, roads, railway infrastructure, education, health, defence and security.

He particularly described irrigation as an important tool in the fight against poverty and called on leaders to focus on programmes capable of increasing household incomes.

NRM Caucus adopts 11 resolutions

Following the President’s address, the NRM Parliamentary Caucus adopted 11 resolutions covering government programmes, corruption, elections and party discipline.

Presented by Government Chief Whip Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, the resolutions included continued support for government priorities such as health, education, irrigation, roads, railways, defence and security.

The caucus also resolved to strengthen the fight against corruption and improve monitoring of PDM funds to prevent diversion, theft and other forms of misuse.

The legislators further committed themselves to supporting electoral discipline, local council and women’s council elections, value addition, internal markets and regional integration.

The caucus also resolved to study challenges surrounding school fees in public schools and make recommendations on possible government interventions.

The meeting placed renewed emphasis on accountability, effective service delivery and the need for political leaders to remain responsive to concerns raised by citizens.

For President Museveni, the message to the legislators was clear: government programmes must translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives, while corruption, absenteeism and misuse of public resources must be confronted more firmly.