Museveni transition must be grounded in experience, ideology — NRM's Todwong

ARUA - The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretary General Richard Todwong has cautioned youth against seeking national leadership without adequate preparation, saying governance is a serious responsibility that requires patience, discipline, and experience.

Todwong made the remarks Saturday (October 4) while speaking to the NRM district campaign task forces in Arua.

“Some youth view politics as entertainment, yet running a country demands understanding and maturity. Before President Yoweri Museveni became president, he worked with others and learned through their mistakes,” Todwong said.

He noted that one cannot come from nightclubs and night shows and come straight to campaign for presidency.

Todwong described leadership as a step-by-step process similar to running a household, where one must prioritise wisely.

“In Uganda, our first priority was peace and security. The second was infrastructure, then social services, and now we are focusing on household income. That is how serious leadership is done, by following a process,” he said.

Todwong challenged youths to learn from their elders and understand NRM’s philosophy of stability and production at household level.

“Leadership is not comedy or drama in a theatre. These are serious matters. Those who rush to lead without understanding governance are like children fighting elders to be clan heads,” Todwong said, drawing applause from the audience.

He added that while the NRM supports youth participation, transition must be grounded in experience and ideology.

“Transition is already happening, but it must be organised,” Todwong said, adding that if you don’t understand how to steer the vehicle, you can crash the entire country.

NRM leaders from Western Nile attend a meeting in Arua. (Credit: Simon Peter Tumwine)

Mentorship is key

The ruling party's secretary general urged leaders to mentor the next generation through village-based mobilisation and community engagements, saying it is through such structures that the NRM will secure the future of Uganda.

“Our message is simple. We are building a stable foundation, and that foundation must be protected by disciplined and prepared leaders, not those seeking fame overnight,” Todwong said.

On the other hand, Hamson Obua, the Central Executive Committee (CEC) representative for Northern Uganda revealed that during the recent CEC meeting, the party chairman directed all the regional chairpersons to appeal to all party members who wish to stand as independents to reconsider their decision, but instead rally behind the party flag bearers.

“We appeal to all the party members who have a thought of running as independents to reconsider their decision. We appeal to the candidates so that the NRM party candidates from the lowest party level to the Presidency comes out with a sound victory,” Obua said.

He noted that the Lango sub-region has set the minimum standard for the Presidential candidate, adding that the party has decided that there will be inter-district voting competition.

Obua also noted that Northern Uganda has been an orphan in CEC, adding that if Uganda goes into general elections, we must choose leaders who will create a positive impact on Uganda.