President Museveni has said that although he is about to turn 80 years of age, Ugandans still believe in his ability to lead them because he is healthy.
He made the remarks on Thursday while passing out over 45,000 students from different secondary schools in Kampala who underwent a patriotism course at Kololo Independence Grounds.
The participants were drawn from the 254 secondary schools in the five divisions of Kampala city.
President Museveni cautioned the students against indiscipline acts like alcoholism, smoking and prostitution that could ruin their lives.
“If you love yourself, you take care of yourself so that you don’t get into trouble. And what are those troubles? Troubles like alcohol if you start taking it, you will ruin your life,” he said.
He gave them an example of himself explaining that he has remained both healthy and physically fit because he doesn’t drink or smoke.
“I’m now going to be 80 years old, but you are here asking me to continue leading the war, this is because I’m fit, I’m not sick. If I was sick in a wheelchair, you would not be disturbing me. You would not be saying “Jjaja Tova Ku Main”, but you say so because you see that the man is still strong,” he stated.
According to his profile, President Museveni is currently 79 years old.
“This is because I don’t drink alcohol. Alcohol is very dangerous for your system and body. I don’t smoke,” he explained.
He added: “When you love yourself, avoid alcohol, smoking and prostitution but also study and exercise and above all, fear God because in the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”
President Museveni also promised that he was going to integrate the Youth Forum program with the patriotic movement.
“We are going to get a budget for saving and focusing our youth,” he added.
The Youth Forum mainly deals with the safe living of the youth.