The Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement, Richard Todwong, has said the ongoing retreat for Members of Parliament-elect in Kyankwanzi is progressing successfully, with attendance exceeding expectations and more leaders still expressing interest in joining.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Todwong noted that the retreat has attracted over 600 participants, including more than 450 MPs-elect, describing the turnout as “almost 100 per cent".
He revealed that the facility is now oversubscribed, with additional leaders continuing to request participation despite limited space.
Todwong said the programme has so far covered a wide range of topics aimed at equipping legislators with practical and ideological grounding. These include personal management, financial literacy, investment, and effective constituency engagement on socio-economic development. Participants have also been guided on how to align their work with Uganda’s long-term frameworks such as Vision 2040, the National Development Plans, and the party manifesto.
He added that more sessions are lined up, including discussions on the role of the military in national development and stability, as well as a presentation he will deliver on how the party manifesto can be implemented at grassroots level. Due to the number of presenters, he said, organisers may compress parts of the programme to ensure all key topics are covered.
“The retreat is moving very well. Members are excited and actively participating,” Todwong said, pointing to the daily morning drills as one of the highlights that have boosted energy and camaraderie among attendees.
Looking ahead, he revealed that participants will undertake a trek to the presidential farm in Ngoma, a site he described as historically significant, where resolutions from the retreat will also be read.
Todwong emphasized that the induction is part of a broader series of engagements designed to build a strong foundation for the legislators. He said the training is helping leaders better understand societal dynamics and contradictions, enabling them to respond more effectively to the needs of their constituents.
He urged the MPs-elect to continue learning and engaging with their communities with commitment and empathy, expressing confidence that the retreat will produce more effective and responsive legislators.