Museveni warns opposition leaders against misleading youth
The President emphasised that the current opposition has “nothing to offer,” likening it to past political parties such as Kabaka Yekka, which he said promoted sectarianism and led to conflict.
President Yoweri Museveni with former NUP convicts at Kololo Independence Grounds, Kampala on Thursday, September 25. (Photos by Miriam Namutebi)
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President Yoweri Museveni has interacted with a group of converts from the National Unity Platform (NUP), commending them for reforming and pledging to support their reintegration into society.
The President who was addressing a huge gathering on Thursday, September 25, at Kololo Independence Grounds, Kampala, congratulated the former prisoners for turning away from what he described as misleading opposition politics, noting that they had “realised their mistakes” and earned his forgiveness.
At the same engagement, Taxi operators under their umbrella association, Uganda Taxi Operators Federation, also presented a report on their commitment to work with the Government.
Reacting to their public statements to a mammoth gathering, Museveni said, "I have heard your memorandum, and we will study it, I now urge you to focus on building better lives through government programs."
The President emphasised that the current opposition has “nothing to offer,” likening it to past political parties such as Kabaka Yekka, which he said promoted sectarianism and led to conflict.
He called on the youth to embrace government initiatives in health, education and wealth creation.
He particularly warned that some leaders in NUP and sections of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) misguide the youth into danger, resulting in unnecessary deaths.
On wealth creation, the President advised the youth to explore opportunities in four sectors — commercial agriculture, artisanship and industry, services, and ICT.
He cited the state minister for Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama’s four-acre model farm as an example of how agriculture can create jobs and wealth.
On education, he acknowledged challenges in universal primary and secondary education, but assured the gathering that the government will recruit an additional 50,000 teachers and curb illegal school charges.
He also highlighted immunisation as a key health achievement, noting its role in eliminating killer diseases like polio and measles.
The President also reiterated the Government's commitment to funding various groups through initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and special funds for ghetto youth, boda boda riders, taxi operators, fisheries, and religious leaders.
“No one should be idle,” he said, calling on the converts to return to their communities and take advantage of these programs.
Majority of his audience, who braved the afternoon downpour, were dressed in yellow outfits representing Museveni's ruling NRM party.
The meeting organised by Alice Kaboyo, the Minister for Luweero Triangle and Rwenzori Affairs, had unique guests wearing red or white t-shirts with Robert Kyagulanyi's portrait. These were introduced as converts to NRM.
On Wednesday, Kyagulanyi was among the seven opposition party heads to battle Museveni in the presidential race for the 2026 national polls.
Leaders commended the President for engaging the youth
Kabuye Kyofatogabye, State Minister for Kampala Capital City, and Kaboyo, thanked Museveni for giving the young people an audience.
Kaboyo revealed that the former converts who joined NRM upon release had been rehabilitated at the National Leadership Institute, Kyankwanzi, and had since formed a SACCO called NRM Cadres Bali Bali to transform their livelihoods.
Rosemary Sseninde, the NRM Director of Mobilisation, hailed President Museveni’s leadership and congratulated him on his nomination to run for President again, saying he was the only leader with a vision for Uganda’s transformation.
Musician Joseph Mayanja, popularly known as Dr. Jose Chameleone, expressed gratitude to the President for supporting him during his illness and pledged to mobilise votes for him.
Taxi operators under their umbrella association, Uganda Taxi Operators Federation, appreciated the President for resolving industry conflicts and constructing a new taxi park.
The Federation chairperson, Rashid Ssekindi, asked President Museveni to extend financial support to taxi SACCOs and facilitate access to locally manufactured Kiira Motors vehicles.
The converts reaffirmed their commitment to mobilise for the NRM, promising to contribute peacefully to Uganda’s development and to stand firmly with President Museveni.