By President Yoweri Museveni has convened a critical meeting with all National Resistance Movement (NRM) Members of Parliament (MPs) at State House on Friday to deliberate on key national matters.
According to an official memo issued by Government Chief Whip Hamson Denis Obua, attendance is mandatory for all NRM MPs as well as independent legislators aligned with the ruling party. The agenda will center on two major issues: proposed amendments to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Act and budget priorities for the 2025/2026 financial year.
The UPDF Act serves as the legal framework governing the structure, operations, and command of Uganda’s military forces. The government is seeking to introduce amendments, and President Museveni is expected to outline the proposed changes during the meeting. While the specifics of the amendments have not been publicly disclosed, analysts speculate they may involve structural reforms within the army, modifications to recruitment and training procedures, or adjustments to the roles and responsibilities of military officers.
The second key issue on the agenda is the national budget for the upcoming financial year. With the government finalizing its expenditure framework, NRM MPs are expected to play a crucial role in shaping funding allocations across various sectors. Some of the expected budget priorities include infrastructure development, with a focus on roads, electricity, and water projects. Education and healthcare funding will also be a priority, as the government seeks to improve schools, universities, hospitals, and medical facilities. Security and defense will remain central to the budget, ensuring adequate resources for national security operations. Additionally, youth employment and economic empowerment programs will receive attention, aiming to address job creation and entrepreneurship support initiatives.
Museveni’s engagement with NRM legislators is seen as a strategic move to align the party’s parliamentary caucus ahead of the budget presentation in Parliament. By securing consensus on budget priorities and military reforms, the president seeks to ensure smooth passage of key government policies.
In a notable precautionary measure, all MPs attending the meeting are required to undergo mandatory COVID-19 testing at Parliament’s Conference Hall B. Testing will be conducted on Wednesday and Thursday, from 9 AM to 5 PM. While some legislators have expressed surprise at this requirement, it underscores the government’s continued vigilance in managing public health concerns.
The outcome of Friday’s meeting is expected to shape key policy decisions and legislative priorities for the coming year, solidifying NRM’s stance on military reforms and national development planning.
