President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has hailed Gen. (Rtd). Caleb Akandwanaho, also known as Gen. Salim Saleh, for his role in Uganda’s liberation struggle, while issuing a fresh warning against corruption among leaders.
Museveni made the remarks on the seventh day of the NRM MPs’ retreat at the National Leadership Institute Kyankwanzi, where he also laid a foundation stone for the Gen. (Rtd). Caleb Akandwanaho School of Research and the Walter Rodney Block.
The President described Gen. Saleh as a model of patriotism, recalling his early involvement in the struggle against Idi Amin.
“People like Saleh should act as good examples to you young people to show you what patriotism means and how what you do can help your country,” Museveni said.
He added: “Saleh joined us in the war against Idi Amin in 1976 when he was just 16 years old. He ran away from school at Kako and joined us in Tanzania together with other fighters like Ivan Koreta.”
Museveni said Gen. Saleh played a key role in major battles between 1979 and 1986, including operations in Masindi, Kabamba, Masaka, and Kampala.
He noted that after the war, Saleh shifted focus to economic development and wealth creation.
“After the war, he became very much involved in wealth creation. He is now busy with development, working with others in areas like coffee and playing a very active role in the north,” he said.
The President used the platform to warn leaders against corruption, saying offenders will face consequences.
“The corrupt are now in danger and will be dealt with. You cannot underestimate us. You will see what will happen,” he said.
He urged MPs to lead the fight against graft.
“You in Parliament are now on the frontline. You should not accept bribes. If you have problems, come and tell us, but don’t take bribes,” he said.
Museveni added: “We are going to finish this corruption.”
He also called for African unity and regional integration to drive economic growth.
“We cannot achieve prosperity with fragmented markets, policies, and infrastructure,” he said.
The President paid tribute to Julius Nyerere and Benjamin Mkapa for advancing the East African Community, urging deeper integration.
“The whole of the East African Community should move towards full integration,” he said.
Speaking at the event, NALI Director Okei Rukogota said the new facility will promote ideological training and Pan-African studies.
“Your Excellency, this complex will promote African culture and provide a forum for ideological struggle, complete with a modern multimedia auditorium and studios for both physical and online engagement,” he said.
He added that the centre will preserve liberation history and advance “Musevenomics.”
Head of Public Service Lucy Nakyobe warned that corruption threatens national development and must be addressed urgently.
“Corruption is growing under our watch, and if we do not stop it now, it will become a monster that will destroy the country,” she said.
She highlighted corruption in recruitment, procurement, and service delivery, and urged MPs to strengthen oversight.
“You must interrogate government expenditure and ensure value for money. Strengthen laws to close loopholes that enable corruption,” she said.
Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng emphasized disease prevention as a key priority.
“Our population is large, and we cannot meet all treatment needs. The solution is prevention—through proper nutrition, exercise, and healthy living,” she said.
She also noted progress in organ transplant services at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
“So far, Mulago has carried out over 12 transplant surgeries, and all recipients and donors are alive and well,” she said.
The retreat continues to shape policy direction and leadership focus as legislators prepare for their term in Parliament.
