President Museveni Emphasizes Mass-Line Principles for Local Government Leaders
By Our Reporter
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged local government leaders to prioritize the needs and rights of the masses over those of the elite.
The President made these remarks while passing out 1,001 local government leaders who had undergone a transformational leadership course at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi.
He emphasized the importance of adhering to the mass line principle, which has been a guiding principle of the NRM since its inception.
“When the NRM started, other political parties existed, but they failed to make the masses their focal point. They believed in an elitist view that left the uneducated behind. We said no to this,” he said.
The President highlighted specific areas where adherence to the mass line principle is crucial, including issues within local governments such as theft of medicines and lack of emphasis on nutrition and hygiene.
He also addressed the issue of the education sector, particularly the 1997 initiative known as “Boonabasome,” which aimed to remove school charges and provide free education for all.
President Museveni urged local leaders to embrace the mass line principles, which focus on creating prosperity for everyone.
He emphasized the importance of patriotism and Pan-Africanism as central to the NRM’s philosophy.
The President also addressed a key concern of injustice to the masses, noting that despite tremendous progress on security, the vice still remains.
He praised the success of immunization programs, noting that they have been highly successful, leading to a population increase from 14 million to 46 million.
The Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, informed the President about the successful completion of the second intake of ideological transformational courses for local leaders.
Hon. Victoria Rusoke Busingye, Minister of State for Local Government, praised the transparency and acceptance observed at the recent NALI training.
Mr. Kasiki Asiku, the District Speaker of Yumbe Local Government, emphasized that the training provided was instrumental in enhancing leaders’ capacity for monitoring government programs and improving service delivery.
Others in attendance included Col. Justus Rukundo, the commandant of Oliver Reginald Tambo School of Leadership, Kaweweta; the NALI Director, Brig. Charles Kisembo; and other dignitaries.
