President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has met a group of former National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, commending them for abandoning what he described as “misleading opposition politics” and pledging to support their reintegration into society.
The President congratulated the converts, many of them former prisoners, for “realizing their mistakes” and assured them of his forgiveness. He cautioned, however, that some leaders in NUP and sections of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) continue to misguide the youth into dangerous confrontations that have cost lives.
“I have heard your memorandum, and we will study it,” President Museveni said, urging the converts to focus on building better lives through government programs rather than divisive politics.
Opposition Has “Nothing to Offer”
President Museveni criticized the current opposition, likening it to defunct political groups such as Kabaka Yekka, which he said promoted sectarianism and ultimately led to conflict. He encouraged young people to embrace government initiatives in health, education, and wealth creation for their own progress and the country’s development.
On health, the President highlighted Uganda’s success in immunization campaigns, which have eliminated diseases like polio and measles.
Regarding education, he acknowledged persistent challenges in universal primary and secondary schooling but assured the gathering that the government would recruit 50,000 more teachers and clamp down on illegal school fees.
Wealth Creation and Youth Empowerment
President Museveni encouraged the youth to explore opportunities in four key sectors: Commercial agriculture, Artisanship and industry, Services, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
He cited the four-acre model farm owned by the State Minister for Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama, as a practical example of how agriculture can create jobs and wealth.
The President also reiterated the government’s commitment to funding youth and community groups through programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and targeted funds for ghetto youth, boda boda riders, taxi operators, fishermen, and religious leaders.
“We want no one to be idle,” he emphasized, calling on the converts to return to their communities and take full advantage of these initiatives.
Leaders Commend Engagement with Youth
Several leaders at the event praised President Museveni for his outreach to young people. Hon. Kabuye Kyofatogabye, State Minister for Kampala Capital City, and Hon. Alice Kaboyo, Minister for Luweero Triangle and Rwenzori Affairs, thanked the President for giving the converts an audience.
Hon. Kaboyo revealed that the group had undergone rehabilitation at the National Leadership Institute, Kyankwanzi, and had since formed a SACCO named NRM Cadres Bali Bali to transform their livelihoods.
Hon. Rosemary Sseninde, NRM Director of Mobilization, applauded the President’s leadership and congratulated him on his nomination to run for President again, describing him as the only leader with a clear vision for Uganda’s transformation.
Support from Musicians and Taxi Operators
Musician Joseph Mayanja (Dr. Jose Chameleone) expressed gratitude to the President for supporting him during his illness and pledged to mobilize votes for him in the future.
The Uganda Taxi Operators Federation, through its chairperson, Mr. Rashid Ssekindi, appreciated President Museveni for resolving industry conflicts and constructing a new taxi park. They requested financial support for taxi SACCOs and access to locally manufactured Kiira Motors vehicles.
The converts reaffirmed their commitment to mobilize for the NRM and contribute peacefully to Uganda’s development agenda. They pledged to stand firmly with President Museveni and support government programs aimed at transforming communities across the country.