President Museveni Encourages Youth to Embrace Wealth Creation for Prosperity

By Kundu Ronald

Entebbe, August 16, 2023 - President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged young leaders to actively participate in wealth creation endeavors to enhance their quality of life. Addressing National Youth Council leaders, led by chairperson Mr. Jacob Eyeru, at State House-Entebbe, President Museveni emphasized the importance of embedding wealth creation in the cultural fabric of the youth.

President Museveni stressed, "My emphasis is that all youth, even those growing up under parental care, should engage in wealth creation. The absence of wealth creation in their culture has led to numerous problems in the past 70 years. It's a dangerous omission."

He attributed the successful fight and victory of the National Resistance Army (NRA) during the 1981-1986 protracted war to a strong foundation in wealth creation.

President Museveni urged all youth, regardless of their educational background, to engage in wealth creation when the opportunity arises. He outlined key sectors for wealth creation, including commercial agriculture, manufacturing or processing, services, and information and communication technology (ICT).

"Areas of wealth creation are well-defined. Engage in commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT. Join hands as groups and become model farmers, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs," President Museveni advised.

The President also cautioned youth leaders against succumbing to divisive politics based on identity and sectarianism. He emphasized that leadership is not a lifelong career and warned against becoming "professional" leaders solely dependent on political roles.

"Leadership, like medicine, requires a correct diagnosis. We must solve people's problems regardless of their tribes or religions. Our solution was rooted in addressing interests, not identity politics," he stated.

Touching on the World Bank's decision to halt loans to Uganda, President Museveni reassured that the country can sustain its economy without external financial assistance. He highlighted the crucial role of the private sector, agriculture, and domestic resources in driving Uganda's development.

"We don't rely on external funding extensively. Our country is supported by the private sector, especially farmers and manufacturers. While World Bank's assistance contributes to some infrastructure projects, most of our development projects are funded domestically," President Museveni explained.

The President encouraged youth leaders to leverage government programs like Emyooga to foster personal growth and development. He promised additional financial support if required.

In response, the youth leaders expressed gratitude for President Museveni's visionary leadership and requested continued support for youth-centric projects across the nation.

The meeting took place ahead of the International Youth Day commemoration and was attended by Hon. Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke, Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs. President Museveni's engagement with youth leaders underscored his commitment to fostering a culture of wealth creation and inclusive development among Uganda's youth.