President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has praised Gen. (Rtd) Caleb Akandwanaho, also known as Salim Saleh, for his contribution to Uganda’s liberation struggle, describing him as a symbol of patriotism and a model for young Ugandans.
Museveni made the remarks at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi during a retreat for newly elected NRM Members of Parliament, where he also laid a foundation stone for the Gen. Salim Saleh School of Research and the Walter Rodney Block.
The President recounted Saleh’s early involvement in the struggle, noting that he joined the fight against Idi Amin in 1976 at the age of 16 after leaving school in Kako and crossing to Tanzania with other fighters.
He said Saleh played a key role between 1979 and 1986, commanding major battles including Masindi, Kabamba, Masaka and Kampala.
Museveni noted that after the war, Saleh shifted focus to economic activity and development, particularly in coffee growing and projects in northern Uganda.
On governance, the President warned against corruption, saying those involved would face firm action.
“The corrupt are now in danger. You cannot underestimate us,” he said.
He urged MPs to take the lead in the fight against graft, warning that those implicated risk losing their parliamentary seats.
“You in Parliament are on the frontline. Do not take bribes. If you have problems, come forward, but do not engage in corruption,” he said.
Museveni also commended MPs for attending the retreat, likening it to a process of renewing discipline and commitment.
On regional affairs, he called for deeper African unity and economic integration, saying fragmented markets and policies continue to hold back growth.
“We cannot achieve prosperity with fragmented markets, policies and infrastructure,” he said, urging the East African Community to move towards full integration.
National Leadership Institute Director Col. Okei Rukogota said the new facility will serve as a centre for ideological training, research and Pan-African studies, with modern multimedia infrastructure to support both physical and online learning.
Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet Lucy Nakyobe urged public servants to embrace patriotism, warning that corruption in recruitment, procurement and service delivery is undermining government efforts.
“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.
Nakyobe said government has introduced mandatory ideological training at the institute for newly recruited public servants and senior officials.
Health Minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng highlighted progress in the health sector, including improvements in infrastructure and the expansion of mental health services.
She also revealed that Mulago National Referral Hospital has carried out more than 12 organ transplant surgeries, with all recipients and donors reported to be in stable condition.
