Africa-Press – Uganda. President Museveni has welcomed a group of former National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, commending them for turning away from what he described as “misleading opposition politics” and encouraging them to embrace government development programs.
Addressing the gathering, President Museveni said the converts had realized their past mistakes and congratulated them on taking steps toward reintegration and a more productive life.
He assured them of the government’s support as they return to their communities and focus on self-empowerment and national development.
The President warned that certain leaders within NUP and factions of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) have misled the youth into confrontations that have tragically resulted in unnecessary deaths.
He compared the current opposition to historical parties like Kabaka Yekka, which he said promoted sectarianism and conflict. He urged young people to rise above such politics and focus on building a stable future.
Museveni outlined several government achievements and ongoing initiatives aimed at youth empowerment. In the health sector, he pointed to the success of national immunization campaigns that have eradicated diseases such as polio and measles.
On education, he acknowledged ongoing challenges in the implementation of universal primary and secondary education, but reassured the audience that government will recruit an additional 50,000 teachers and enforce measures to eliminate illegal school fees.
In his message on wealth creation, the president encouraged the youth to actively explore opportunities in commercial agriculture, artisanship and industry, service sectors, and ICT.
He cited the success of State Minister for Transport, Fred Byamukama’s four-acre model farm, as an example of how agriculture can be transformed into a viable source of employment and income.
He also reiterated government commitment to economic empowerment programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and other targeted funds supporting groups including ghetto youth, boda boda riders, taxi operators, fishers, and religious leaders.
He urged the converts and other youth not to remain idle, but to use the resources and structures available to uplift their communities.
Several government leaders in attendance praised the President for engaging the youth and welcoming the former opposition supporters. Kabuye Kyofatogabye, State Minister for Kampala Capital City, and Alice Kaboyo, Minister for Luweero Triangle and Rwenzori Affairs, both thanked the president for giving the youth a second chance.
Kaboyo revealed that the converts had undergone rehabilitation at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi and had since formed a SACCO known as “NRM Cadres Bali Bali” to support their economic transformation.
Rosemary Sseninde, the NRM Director of Mobilization, commended President Museveni’s leadership and congratulated him on his recent nomination to run for President again, saying he remained the only leader with a clear vision for Uganda’s transformation.
Musician Joseph Mayanja, popularly known as Dr. Jose Chameleone, expressed his personal gratitude to the President for the support he received during a recent illness and pledged to mobilize support for Museveni, especially among the youth.
Leaders of the Uganda Taxi Operators Federation also extended their appreciation to the President for resolving disputes within the transport industry and for the construction of a new taxi park.
The federation’s chairperson, Mr. Rashid Ssekindi, called on the president to provide financial support to taxi SACCOs and to facilitate access to vehicles produced by Uganda’s own Kiira Motors Corporation.
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