Kilak North Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Acholi Parliamentary Group (APG), Anthony Akol, has defended the National Resistance Movement (NRM) retreat at Kyankwanzi, dismissing long-standing claims that it serves as a platform for political indoctrination.
Speaking during NBS Morning Breeze on Tuesday, Akol acknowledged that his views on Kyankwanzi have evolved over time.m
"When I was in Opposition, we used to criticise Kyankwanzi as a place where they brainwash people. I am now interested in listening," he said.ml
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Akol revealed that he spent the past two days consulting legislators who had previously attended the retreat and concluded that the sessions are centered on dialogue and policy engagement rather than coercion.
"There is no brainwashing being done. People discuss issues and deliberate on matters," he said.
Akol also expressed enthusiasm over the participation of Democratic Party (DP) President, Norbert Mao, who is seeking to unseat Among as Speaker, describing it as a positive step toward inclusive political discourse.
"I am personally excited that Norbert Mao is coming to Kyankwanzi. Let him raise his issues to the voters," he said.
Akol added that Mao's engagement should be directed toward key stakeholders within the political process.
"I have spoken to many members of NRM and I realised that Mao wasn't speaking to the voters of Speakership but he was in the media."
Addressing concerns about his political stance, Akol emphasized that his participation in the retreat does not signal any compromise of his principles.
"The passion I had before is the same passion I have. I haven't been compromised in any way. If there is something I want to talk about, I talk about it," he said.
"The position of the Central Executive Committee (CEC) is normally presented to the caucus, discussed, and then the caucus votes on it."
Akol's remarks come as the NRM parliamentary caucus retreat is gearing up to take shape today at the National Leadership Institute Kyankwanzi, scheduled to run from April 7 to April 15, 2026.
Ahead of the retreat, Members of Parliament-elect, both newly elected and returning, gathered at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds for verification, accreditation, and COVID-19 testing.
Participants were expected to reconvene at Kololo at 8:00 a.m. before being transported by bus to Kyankwanzi, where they will spend a week undergoing orientation ahead of the swearing-in of Uganda's 12th Parliament.
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According to party officials, the retreat will focus on equipping legislators with knowledge and skills necessary for effective parliamentary service. Key areas of discussion will include governance priorities, legislative procedures, policy alignment, and national development strategies.
The program will also provide guidance on the role of MPs in implementing government programs, while reinforcing party ideology and cohesion among members.
The Kyankwanzi retreat has long been a cornerstone of the NRM's internal organization, serving as a platform for aligning party members on policy positions, strengthening unity, and coordinating legislative strategy ahead of major parliamentary business.
According to NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, the inclusion of opposition figures was welcomed by the party to discuss role of opposition in socio-economic transformation.
