Masindi – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on Uganda’s youth to embrace commercial agriculture, defend government programmes, and harness technology to drive the country’s socio-economic transformation.
Speaking at this year’s International Youth Day celebrations at Masindi Golf Course grounds in the Bunyoro sub-region, President Museveni said Uganda’s future depends on the energy, creativity, and productivity of its youthful population. The event was held under the theme “Youth Advancing Socio-Economic Transformation through Technology and Partnership.”
The President reminded the cheering crowd that the NRM government’s foremost achievement was securing peace, which remains the foundation for Uganda’s development.
“Some people confuse pledges with plans. The major plan of the NRM government is peace, and that one is firm. Nobody can bring war here again,” he said, warning that crime and corruption remain threats that must be confronted.
Museveni pointed out that Uganda’s young population, which accounts for 73.5% of citizens under 30 years according to the 2024 National Census, was partly due to successful immunisation campaigns.
“Our children are alive because of immunisation. But the drugs for treatment are being stolen not in Congo or South Sudan, but here in Uganda. That means it is you, the citizens, who must take responsibility and stop this theft,” the President said.
He emphasised wealth creation through commercial farming as the first step out of poverty, citing examples of Ugandans who had turned small acreage into profitable ventures.
“Please, listen carefully to the NRM message! Plan number one is commercial agriculture. From there, we go to manufacturing and then services, including digital. These are the pillars that will transform Uganda,” Museveni said, naming Hon. Fred Byamukama, who earns Shs55 million monthly from poultry farming, and Mr Richard Nyakana of Fort Portal, who employs 15 people on one acre.
The President revealed plans for an industrial park in Hoima near Karuma Dam, saying existing factories like Kinyara Sugar, which employs over 20,000 people, show the manufacturing sector’s potential to absorb the youth workforce. He also urged young people to seize opportunities in tourism and digital technology.
On the Parish Development Model (PDM), the President issued a stern warning: “The PDM money is your money. Defend it! If thieves steal it, they can only succeed with your silence. We send the money from the centre, but if you do not monitor it, it will be stolen by your own people. Don’t just complain. You have the power to demand accountability,” he said.
This year’s celebrations also showcased success stories under the Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP), which has disbursed Shs193.7 billion to over 273,000 youths, and the Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Girl and Boy Child, which has trained over 30,000 urban youths since 2017.
Hon. Betty Amongi, Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, described youth as “a critical force for socio-economic transformation,” calling for massive investments in digital skills and innovation.
“Technology must be accessible to all urban and rural Ugandans alike. The 2024 Digital Study showed that 43% of Ugandans aged 10 years and above are using smartphones, with 28% of them between 15 and 24 years. Of these, nearly half are using smartphones for trade, entrepreneurship, and online business. That is how transformative this moment is for our young population,” she said.
Amongi noted that mobile phones were creating new employment avenues such as mobile money agencies and delivery services, while innovation hubs and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) centres were linking Ugandans to global job markets.
Hon. Balaam Barugahara, Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, revealed that 776,000 young people had so far benefited from government programmes, with Shs1.2 trillion invested and 30% of enterprise funds ring-fenced for youths.
The UN Resident Coordinator, H.E. Zulu Leonard, pledged continued UN support:
“Uganda’s future will be written by its youths. With the right investments, you will power Vision 2040. The United Nations sees you, stands with you, and will continue to support you as partners, advocates, and friends,” he said.
The Netherlands Ambassador, H.E. Frederieke Quispel, representing the EU, praised Uganda’s young population as “a unique advantage in a world where Europe and other regions face ageing populations,” emphasising the need for education, participation, and opportunities for youth voices to be heard.
Outgoing National Youth Council Chairperson Jacob Eyeru hailed the government’s youth interventions, noting that 30% of PDM funds were now allocated directly to young people.
“Your Excellency, this is historic. The Youth Livelihood Programme alone received over Shs200 billion, while PDM gives Shs300 billion each year to support young people. These interventions have funded tailors, boda boda riders, entrepreneurs and many others,” Eyeru said, appealing for more support to strengthen youth councils nationwide.
The celebrations attracted cabinet ministers, MPs, cultural leaders, and religious leaders, reflecting broad support for youth-focused policies and programmes.