Share this article

ENTEBBE, Uganda—June 25, 2025
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni yesterday officially received 191 youth from Mubende, Kassanda, and Mityana districts who have recently crossed from opposition parties to the National Resistance Movement (NRM). The group, comprising 145 males and 46 females, has been undergoing a two-week ideological and patriotic training at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi.

During the meeting held at State House Entebbe, President Museveni commended the youth for their bold decision, describing it as a step toward personal empowerment and national transformation.

“You have made a wise and courageous choice. Unlike those who have misled youth for foreign-funded agendas and discouraged participation in government programmes, you have chosen a path of progress,” President Museveni said.

He pledged UGX 100 million as seed capital to support the youth in forming a SACCO (Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization), encouraging them to use it for productive ventures.

Embracing Ideological Clarity and Transformation

The President applauded the NALI instructors for equipping the youth with a deep understanding of the NRM ideology, especially its third historical mission—socio-economic transformation. He emphasized the need for African societies to transition from subsistence lifestyles to the money economy.

“In developed nations, machines fetch water, while our girls still carry jerry cans on their heads. The NRM seeks to change such outdated practices,” he noted.

Museveni reiterated the government’s commitment to education and skills development, highlighting the role of Universal Primary and Secondary Education (UPE and USE) and the Presidential Skilling Hubs, including one already operational in Kassanda.

“If we fully embrace free education and skilling, it will transform lives and strengthen our economy,” he added.

Promoting the Four-Acre Model and Agro-Economic Planning

Drawing from the NRM Manifesto of 1996, President Museveni reintroduced the Four-Acre Model, which aims to guide smallholder farmers in optimizing limited land for income generation. He advised farmers to allocate

• One acre for coffee (potential earnings up to UGX 15 million annually),
• One acre for fruits,
• One acre for pasture (to support up to eight cows),
• One acre for food crops.

He also encouraged backyard farming options such as poultry, piggery (for non-Muslims), and fish farming, noting that fish farming alone can generate up to UGX 80 million per acre annually.

Industrialization, Services, and ICT as Key Growth Drivers

The President highlighted Uganda’s industrial progress, citing that the manufacturing sector now employs over 1.2 million people, significantly more than the public service sector.

He also pointed to the expansion of the services sector—including tourism, transport, religious work, and professional services—which together employ over four million Ugandans.

Additionally, he emphasized the potential of the ICT sector, particularly in Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), where Ugandans can now earn globally competitive incomes due to the country’s robust internet and telecom infrastructure.

Testimonies and Institutional Support

Ms. Hellen Seku, Commissioner of the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC), expressed gratitude to the President for supporting the youth converts, many of whom were formerly active in opposition politics. She highlighted the ideological training they received, which emphasized civic duty, peacebuilding, teamwork, and environmental stewardship.

“These young people are now equipped to contribute meaningfully to national development, promote unity, and protect the peace Uganda has achieved,” she said.

She also urged the youth to take care of their health, particularly in light of the rising prevalence of HIV/AIDS in communities.

Col. Okei Rukogota, Director of NALI, applauded the President’s continued commitment to empowering young people through anti-poverty initiatives. He commended both the NALI staff and the youth for their dedication and discipline during the training.

“These youth have shown true patriotism by embracing change and committing to the values of the NRM,” Col. Rukogota said.

Converts Reaffirm Commitment to the NRM

Speaking on behalf of the converts, Mr. Mutumba Byakatonda, a youth leader and councilor from Mubende Municipal Council, shared a personal testimony of returning to the NRM after a period of affiliation with opposition parties.

“Your Excellency, I was misled into opposition politics. Today, I stand here proud to be back in the NRM, fully aware of the opportunities your leadership provides,” he said.

Byakatonda thanked the NALI leadership for their mentorship and expressed the group’s intention to register a Youth Converts SACCO across the three districts. He also appealed for coffee seedlings under Operation Wealth Creation to support their economic re-integration.

“We are ready to contribute to national development and support your vision for a transformed and prosperous Uganda,” he concluded.