Erute North MP-elect Ongom “Aregedeng” pledges to continue working with constituents

Patrick Ongom – widely known as “Aregedeng” has thanked the Office of the National Chairman for organizing a retreat for newly elected NRM MPs.

The Erute North MP-elect, Ongom, said the Kyankwanzi (NALI) retreat has enabled them to gain more knowledge and experience before their swearing-in which is scheduled for May.

Speaking with journalists at the Kyankwanzi on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, Patrick Ongom stated that following the powerful message from Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni—which encouraged legislators to maintain close ties with their constituents—he is convinced that effective representation depends on continuous engagement with the people.

Beyond personal conduct, he highlighted the importance of mentorship in leadership development, describing it as a continuous process and calling on both new MPs and experienced leaders within the party to actively engage in it.

Taking over from MP Akello Christine Gwokadako in May, Ongom thanked the President for the total peace currently prevailing in the country.

“All Ugandans should protect the peace and security that we have now so that we can use that peace as a foundation for investment and development,” he said.

Ongom’s response comes at a time when President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged newly elected NRM MPs to adopt disciplined lifestyles, warning against the dangers of extravagance and unsustainable borrowing.

The President emphasised that public office often comes with increased financial expectations and social pressure, which, if not carefully managed, can push leaders into debt.

He cautioned MPs against taking unnecessary loans, noting that poor financial decisions could undermine both their personal stability and public service.

“They should exercise financial discipline… plan well and avoid unnecessary borrowing which may lead them into debts that are not sustainable,” he added.

On parliamentary performance, President Museveni expressed confidence that the retreat had equipped first-time MPs with the necessary skills to effectively articulate national issues and contribute meaningfully to debate.

“From the discipline exhibited here… and the way members have been asking for clarifications, I have very high hopes that the 12th Parliament will be of high quality,” he noted.

He further reiterated the need for leaders to focus on national priorities, including wealth creation, industrialization, and improved service delivery, citing commercial agriculture, infrastructure development, and anti-corruption efforts as critical to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.

The President also reminded MPs of the importance of safeguarding the country’s achievements since 1986, particularly in peace and security, infrastructure, health, and education.

He concluded that the retreat should continue to serve as a platform for aligning NRM leaders with the party’s manifesto and national development agenda ahead of the new parliamentary term.