BY ENOCK MUSIKA
H.E President Yoweri Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni ) wrapped up a productive four-day tour of the Bugisu Subregion today with a dynamic symposium held at Mbale Secondary School, organized by the Office of the National Chairman (ONC). The event drew enthusiastic cheers from a crowd of young people eager to engage with their leader.
Before the President took the stage, several speakers addressed the audience. Mr. Buyela Christopher, the ONC Bugisu Sub region Coordinator, expressed gratitude to Museveni for honoring the invitation and for including youth in various government initiatives, such as the Parish Development Model (PDM). Mauso Brian, representing youth leaders, commended the President for his visionary leadership and urged him to support youth agricultural programs by purchasing land and enhancing cooperative efforts.
Another key speaker, Chief Muzzukulu Hajat Hadijah Namyalo, received a warm welcome from the audience. She praised Museveni for attending the symposium despite attempts by some “mafias” to disrupt the event. Namyalo introduced various informal sector groups, including mechanics, boda boda riders, market vendors, and sex workers, and requested the President’s support to enhance their income-generating capabilities. She concluded her speech by assuring the President of the youth’s backing in the upcoming 2026 elections.In his address, President Museveni expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to engage with the youth.
He highlighted the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) journey toward wealth creation, emphasizing the importance of peace, immunization, and security as foundational elements for prosperity. The President encouraged young people to participate in the PDM, which he described as a proven program aimed at improving lives at the parish level.
He also issued a directive to the police to take action against moneylenders who confiscate borrowers’ National Identity Cards by condemning the practice, warning them that any money lender who refuses to return the IDs will face the closure of their business.“It’s not acceptable. You people should go and get your IDs. If anyone insists on holding them, we shall force them to close their companies,” Museveni stated
Responding to the various requests from the speakers, the President announced several donations, including 100 million shillings for sex workers, 6 million shillings for a village chairperson to purchase a motorcycle, and a promise to acquire 10 acres of land for youth initiatives.
He also committed to relocating mechanics currently operating on the streets of Mbale City by providing them with land.
In Concluding his remarks, Museveni thanked Hajat Hadijah Namyalo for her efforts in mobilizing the youth and pledged continued support for her initiatives. The event culminated in lively performances from popular artists, accompanied by an array of food and drinks, celebrating the spirit of youth empowerment in Uganda.
