The Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Richard Todwong, has underscored the importance of ideological alignment and strategic focus as Members of Parliament-elect prepare for a high-level retreat in Kyankwanzi scheduled to take place from April 7th to 15th 2026.
Speaking during an exclusive interview with NBS Television on Monday, Todwong said membership in the ruling party comes with the responsibility of understanding its guiding principles and policy direction.
"When you join the NRM, like any other political organization, you are expected to understand its principles and guidelines. Our trip to Kyankwanzi is not about learning what NRM is, but about aligning our understanding and focusing it on Uganda's key priority areas," he said.
Todwong explained that the party's manifesto is anchored on addressing critical national challenges, particularly peace and security, as well as tackling the root causes of instability such as poverty, disease, lack of education among children, and inadequate infrastructure.
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"Our manifesto focused on the key strategic issues we aim to address in the coming term of office--particularly peace and security, and tackling the root causes of instability such as poverty, disease, lack of education among children, and inadequate infrastructure," he said.
Todwong added that the party is prioritizing infrastructural development alongside grassroots initiatives aimed at fighting poverty at the household level, including programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and wealth creation efforts, while also addressing issues of unity.
"We have emphasized infrastructural development alongside grassroots efforts to combat poverty at the household level. The purpose of the retreat, therefore, is to equip leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to confront these household challenges, and to help refocus and align our thinking toward these priorities," he said.
On inclusivity in governance, Todwong revealed that several opposition figures have been proposed to present papers during the retreat on the role of opposition in governance, with confirmation still pending.
"They are quite a number of opposition who have been proposed to present a paper on the role of opposition in governance. Though even if they don't come, we have enough members to represent the role of opposition in socio-economic transformation," he added.
Members of Parliament-elect from the NRM are expected to attend the retreat at the National Leadership Institute Kyankwanzi from April 7th to April 15th, ahead of the swearing-in of the Parliament of Uganda for its Twelfth term.
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The orientation will bring together both newly elected and returning legislators as part of the party's long-standing practice of preparing members for legislative duties while reinforcing party ideology and cohesion.
According to party officials, the sessions will focus on the NRM's governance priorities, legislative agenda, parliamentary procedures, and national development strategies. Participants will also receive guidance on their role in implementing government programs.
Preparations for the retreat are already underway, with verification and accreditation of leaders taking place at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
Newly elected MPs on the NRM ticket, alongside independent legislators aligned to the party, members of the Central Executive Committee, and senior Secretariat officials, are finalizing registration ahead of departure.
The Kyankwanzi retreat has, over the years, served as a key platform for aligning party members on policy positions, strengthening cohesion, and coordinating legislative strategy before the commencement of major parliamentary business.
