President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended 191 former opposition youth leaders for joining the National Resistance Movement (NRM), calling their decision both wise and patriotic. The group, drawn from Mubende, Kassanda, and Mityana districts, completed a two-week ideological training at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi and was officially received by the President at State House Entebbe on June 25.
The converts, comprising 145 men and 46 women, were trained on patriotism, civic duty, and the foundational principles of the NRM. President Museveni praised them for abandoning what he termed "foreign-funded opposition agendas" that discourage youth from engaging in government development programs.
“Those opposition groups are merciless,” Museveni said. “They use you for foreign-funded agendas and then tell you to shun government programs. But you have made the right choice, and I congratulate and welcome you.”
As a gesture of encouragement, the President pledged Shs 100 million to support the group’s SACCO and advised them to engage in income-generating activities using government programs like Operation Wealth Creation.
Investing in Socio-Economic Transformation
President Museveni stressed the importance of moving Uganda’s youth from subsistence living to the money economy through targeted agricultural and skilling initiatives. He highlighted the Four-Acre Model, which promotes integrated farming for smallholder farmers.
“With one acre for coffee, one for fruits, one for pasture, and one for food crops, a farmer can generate sustainable income,” Museveni said, adding that backyard ventures like poultry, piggery, and fish farming can significantly increase earnings.
He also emphasized the role of education and vocational training in youth empowerment, citing the success of the Presidential Skilling Hubs like the one in Kassanda.
“We have created access to free, quality skills training. If embraced fully, this will play a major role in changing lives,” he said.
The President also acknowledged the growth in sectors such as manufacturing, ICT, and tourism as key employment drivers, noting that Uganda’s manufacturing sector now employs over 1.2 million people.
“With our strong internet and telecom infrastructure, Ugandans can now work for international companies and earn competitive salaries right from here,” he added.
Youth Prepared for Positive Impact
Hellen Seku, Commissioner at the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps, said the group had been prepared to return to their communities as responsible citizens focused on peace, development, and national unity.
“These youth have been receiving ideological training to instill discipline, teamwork, and service. They are ready to contribute meaningfully to their communities,” she said.
She also encouraged them to protect their health and environment, adding, “HIV/AIDS is spreading like wildfire. Let us be disciplined and responsible.”
Col. Okei Rukogota, Director of NALI, thanked President Museveni for supporting youth-focused anti-poverty programs. He also praised the converts for embracing transformation through ideological clarity.
“Your willingness to learn and change is a sign of true patriotism. Uganda needs you,” he said.
Converts Reaffirm Loyalty to NRM
Speaking on behalf of the group, Mutumba Byakatonda, a youth councilor from Mubende Municipal Council, expressed gratitude to the President and the NALI staff for their mentorship.
“Your Excellency, I personally crossed to the opposition after you commissioned the Mubende Central Market. But today, I stand before you as a proud convert back to the NRM,” he said.
Byakatonda revealed that many of the youth were previously misled by opposition ideologies but have now experienced a complete mindset shift.
“We have realized that government programs offer real opportunities. We plan to form a SACCO across our districts to access affordable funding and start small businesses,” he added.
The group requested support through seedlings under Operation Wealth Creation and pledged their full commitment to Uganda’s transformation.
“We are ready to support you in building a prosperous and transformed Uganda,” Byakatonda concluded.
