Museveni warns MPs on corruption, absenteeism in public service

What the report says

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged NRM members of Parliament to step up oversight of government programmes and take a stronger role in fighting corruption and improving public service delivery. According to The Independent Uganda, he made the remarks at the 3rd NRM Parliamentary Caucus of the 12th Parliament, held at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala.

Museveni told legislators to stay focused on the needs of ordinary Ugandans and to challenge practices that weaken service delivery in their constituencies. The report says he pointed to allegations of job sales by District Service Commissions and claims that some officials involved in the Parish Development Model have demanded payments from beneficiaries. He said the anti-poverty programme should not be turned into a source of personal gain.

The president also pressed MPs to monitor government health facilities more closely, especially attendance by medical staff and the use of medicines. He warned that persistent absenteeism by doctors is hurting public hospitals and said government may dismiss repeat offenders and replace them with staff willing to serve consistently. He also said government is working to curb theft and misuse of medicines.

The comments highlight continuing pressure on Uganda’s public sector to improve accountability in health care and local service delivery. In general, the Parish Development Model and staffing in government facilities remain major policy issues as authorities seek to reduce poverty and strengthen trust in public institutions.