Youth urged to embrace ideological awakening ahead of Tarehe Sita celebrations

NDORWA - Maj. Gen. Henry Matsiko has urged young people in Ndorwa County West to embrace ideological awakening as a cornerstone for effective leadership and national development, emphasising that true leadership is rooted in clarity of ideas rather than family background.

Speaking as the guest of honour at the first Annual Ndorwa County West Mentorship Forum, Matsiko stressed that leadership is built on ideological sharpness, not biology.

He challenged the youth to focus on developing sound principles and critical thinking, noting that a good leader must provide solutions rather than create problems. He warned that leaders who lack ideological clarity often leave their followers confused and without direction.

The forum was held at Janaan Luwuum Secondary School in Kamuganguzi under the theme: The Role of Military Leaders in Mentoring a Focused and Vibrant Young Generation that Can Protect and Add Value to the Socio-economic and Political Gains in Uganda.

The event was also part of preparations and mobilisation for the upcoming Tarehe Sita celebrations, scheduled to take place today, February 6, 2026, at UNITE Grounds, the former National Teachers College, in Kabale Municipality.

Uganda commemorates Tarehe Sita every February 6, marking the day in 1981 when the ruling National Resistance Army/Movement launched the liberation struggle that eventually brought it to power.

The mentorship forum brought together Youth League and Youth Council chairpersons at parish level, alongside student leaders from secondary and technical institutions across Ndorwa County West, as part of efforts to prepare young people ideologically and strategically ahead of the national celebrations.

Ndorwa County West Member of Parliament-elect Eliab Naturinda Mporera, who convened the forum, said the gathering aimed to promote ideological awakening while equipping young leaders with essential leadership skills, discipline, and critical thinking.

He emphasised that mentorship plays a critical role in nurturing focused and responsible youth capable of contributing positively to community development and national progress.

The Presidential Advisor in charge of youth, Brenda Kiconco, encouraged young people to be fearless and proactive in engaging leaders.

She advised them to start small and grow steadily, urging them to fully utilise the opportunity of having Mporera as their area Member of Parliament.

Kiconco also urged the youth to approach leaders with clear, practical proposals rather than waiting for invitations to social engagements.

The forum concluded with a call for sustained engagement between leaders and the youth to deepen ideological awareness, strengthen leadership capacity, and enhance youth participation in safeguarding Uganda’s socio-economic and political gains, particularly as the country prepares to mark Tarehe Sita.