Kyankwanzi – April 13 — Uganda’s Vice President, Jessica Alupo, has called on newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) under the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) to adopt disciplined lifestyles, warning against extravagance and unsustainable borrowing.
Speaking on the seventh day of the NRM leaders’ retreat at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, Alupo urged legislators to remain grounded despite their elevated status.
“They are now VIPs and should control their expectations,” she said, emphasizing the need for MPs to live within their means and maintain close working relationships with their constituents.
Alupo noted that public office often comes with heightened financial and social pressures, which, if poorly managed, can drive leaders into debt. She cautioned against unnecessary borrowing, stressing that poor financial decisions could undermine both personal stability and effective public service.
“They should exercise financial discipline, plan well, and avoid unnecessary borrowing which may lead them into unsustainable debt,” she added.
The Vice President also underscored the importance of continuous engagement with constituents, noting that effective representation depends on staying connected to the people.
On leadership development, Alupo highlighted mentorship as a critical and ongoing process. She encouraged both new MPs and seasoned party leaders to actively participate in mentorship to strengthen governance capacity.
“Mentorship is not an activity; it is a process. I encourage them to continue seeking guidance, and senior members of the NRM to support them,” she said.
Alupo expressed optimism about the performance of the incoming 12th Parliament, citing the level of discipline and active participation observed during the retreat.
“I have very high hopes that the 12th Parliament will be of high quality,” she noted.
She further urged leaders to prioritize national development goals, including wealth creation, industrialization, improved service delivery, and anti-corruption efforts. Key sectors s
uch as commercial agriculture and infrastructure development were highlighted as central to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
Alupo also called on leaders to safeguard Uganda’s achievements since 1986, particularly in maintaining peace and security, which she described as the foundation for investment and development.
The Kyankwanzi retreat continues to serve as a key platform for aligning NRM leaders with the party’s manifesto and national development agenda ahead of the new parliamentary term.
