Museveni Calls on Youth to Champion Wealth Creation and Defend Government Programmes
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today placed youth at the centre of Uganda’s transformation journey as he joined thousands of young people in Masindi District to celebrate International Youth Day.
The President called on the youth to embrace wealth creation, safeguard government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), and build upon the peace secured under the NRM government.
The national event, hosted at Masindi Golf Course grounds, was held under the theme: “Youth Advancing Socio-Economic Transformation through Technology and Partnership.”
The gathering attracted youth leaders, government officials, and beneficiaries of empowerment programmes.
International Youth Day, observed every August 12, was established by a 1999 United Nations resolution to recognize young people’s role in development.
According to the 2024 National Census, Uganda has one of the youngest populations globally, with 73.5% below 30 years, positioning youth as a strategic driver of transformation.
In his keynote speech, President Museveni highlighted peace as the NRM’s greatest achievement.
“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 challenges to be defeated.
On health, the President credited Uganda’s youthful population to strong immunization programmes but raised concern over theft of drugs from health centres.
“Our children are alive because of immunization. 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,” he stressed.
Museveni urged young people to begin their wealth journey with commercial agriculture, citing success stories of Ugandans who had converted small plots into thriving businesses.
He pointed to Hon. Fred Byamukama, the State Minister of Works, earning over Shs55 million monthly from poultry, and Mr. Richard Nyakana from Fort Portal, who employs 15 workers on one acre.
“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,” he emphasized.
The President revealed government’s plan for an industrial park in Hoima and cited Kinyara Sugar, which employs over 20,000 workers, as an example of manufacturing’s potential to absorb youth.
He encouraged them to seize opportunities in services, including tourism and digital innovations.
Turning to PDM, the President issued a strong caution against corruption and misuse of funds.
“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 declared.
He reminded the youth that government had provided resources but insisted communities must ensure the programmes succeed.
This year’s event also celebrated achievements of youth empowerment schemes.
The Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP) has released Shs193.7 billion to 273,000 youths, while the Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Girl and Boy Child has trained more than 30,000 urban youths since 2017.
Awards were presented to three outstanding youth and women groups under YLP and the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP).
The President reiterated that development lies in long-term government plans, not short-term promises.
“Plans are for the masses- agriculture, manufacturing, services, health and PDM. Pledges are small additions. Concentrate on the plans! That is how we shall move Uganda forward together,” he urged.
Hon. Betty Amongi, Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, praised Uganda’s youth as a vital force for socio-economic change.
She called for expanded investment in digital skills, innovation and partnerships.
“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 explained.
The Minister highlighted how mobile phones had become economic tools, creating employment opportunities such as mobile money services, delivery businesses and digital banking agencies.
She argued that policies must be aligned to ensure technology promotes both economic growth and social inclusion.
“We must enable our young people to embrace technology. Innovation hubs in Kampala, Mbale, Mbarara, and Gulu are already producing results. Programmes such as Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) are connecting Ugandan youths to jobs globally. Today, young Ugandans work as customer care officers for companies in the UK, Japan, and the USA yet they remain here in Uganda, earning an income through technology,” she said.
She also noted that e-governance reforms were enhancing service delivery and curbing corruption.
Affordable internet and digital literacy, she added, would be crucial in ensuring Uganda’s youth remain competitive both regionally and internationally.
Hon. Balaam Barugahara, Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, reported that nearly 776,000 young people had benefited from government schemes.
“So far, government has invested Shs 1.2 trillion in youth empowerment and more will follow. We are ensuring that young people are not left behind in the country’s transformation,” he announced.
United Nations Resident Coordinator in Uganda, H.E. Zulu Leonard, commended the resilience of Uganda’s youth and pledged continued UN support.
“Uganda’s future will be written by its youths. With the right investments, you will power Vision 2040. To the young people of Uganda: keep pushing, keep innovating! The United Nations sees you, stands with you, and will continue to support you as partners, advocates, and friends,” he assured.
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Uganda, H.E. Frederieke Quispel, speaking for the European Union, described Uganda’s young generation as a rare advantage.
“In Europe, over 20% of the population is above 65. Here in Uganda, the youths form the majority. This is extraordinary. Your young people can drive growth, innovation, and technology. But for that to happen, they must have education, meaningful participation and opportunities to be heard on issues that affect their lives. That is what true youth leadership means,” she stated.
Outgoing National Youth Council Chairperson, Mr. Jacob Eyeru, credited President Museveni’s leadership for channeling unprecedented resources to young people.
“Your Excellency, this is historic. The Youth Livelihood Programme alone received over Shs 200 billion, while PDM gives Shs 300 billion each year to support young people. These interventions have funded tailors, boda boda riders, entrepreneurs and many others. For the first time, young people are also monitoring national programmes such as UPE,” Eyeru remarked.
He appealed for more investment in youth councils and emphasized that affordable internet access would be vital for Uganda’s role in the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The colourful celebration was attended by cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, cultural and religious leaders, alongside thousands of jubilant youths.
