KAMPALA, UGANDA – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has warned Ugandan youths against what he described as “ideologically disoriented and violent” opposition leaders, particularly from the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The President made the remarks while meeting with a group of former coup convicts at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, many of whom were previously aligned with NUP before their arrest and subsequent pardon.
He welcomed thousands of political converts from NUP and FDC who officially declared their allegiance to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) during the event. He also acknowledged members of the informal sector, including taxi drivers under the Uganda Taxi Operators Federation, who have joined the NRM.
The group of former convicts, led by Muhydini Kakooza, also known as Sanya, had been imprisoned for their involvement in the 2021 post-election riots, which included the destruction of state infrastructure. They were tried by the General Court Martial and later pardoned by President Museveni.
Speaking at the event, Sanya admitted they had been “misled by their leaders into rebellion” and thanked the President for his “fatherly heart” in granting them a second chance.
The President reiterated that political activism must be rooted in ideological clarity and non-violence. He cautioned against individuals who use politics to exploit the youth for selfish gains, stating, “We must reject leaders who preach chaos under the guise of change.”
Museveni urged the new converts to take advantage of the government’s socio-economic empowerment programs. These include the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga initiative, and the Ghetto Youth Support Fund. He emphasized the need for youth to engage in productive activities rather than be drawn into what he termed “opportunistic politics” that aim to destabilize the country.
Sanya and his group, now organized under a newly formed NRM-aligned movement called NRM Cadres 2025 Balibali, shared their future plans with the President. The group has established a Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO) to support their reintegration and development. They also presented a memorandum requesting government support for rehabilitation and economic empowerment.
The State Minister for Luwero Affairs Alice Kaboyo announced plans to rehabilitate the group and ideological training at the National Leadership Institute – Kyankwanzi
Minister Kaboyo has also called on youths to spear head the gospel of unity and patriotism across the 80 districts from where they reside and their integration into the NRM party structures as party mobilizer.
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