President Yoweri Museveni has praised the Catholic Church for its efforts in providing youths with not only spiritual guidance but also ideological orientation, which he believes is crucial for Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
He emphasised that this approach is essential for the country to achieve it’s long-term development goals.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the five-day National Youth Conference at St. Andrea Kaahwa College Grounds in the Bujumbura-Hoima Catholic Diocese, Hoima City, on Sunday, Museveni expressed his support for the mentorship of young people.
He pointed out that the youth, who represent the majority of the population, are key to Uganda’s future progress.
The National Youth Conference, which brought together over 10,000 young people aged 12-35 from across Uganda, was initiated by the Catholic Bishops of Uganda under the umbrella of the Uganda Episcopal Conference.
The event offered a platform for youth from all 19 Catholic dioceses in Uganda to exchange ideas, share perspectives on modern challenges, and discuss opportunities, while also recognising their achievements.
Museveni noted that being young without a clear ideological and spiritual foundation could have negative consequences, as was evident in Uganda’s past.
He recalled that although many leaders at the time of Uganda’s independence were young, they failed to chart a successful course for the country because they focused more on identity politics rather than a unifying ideology.
“I’m happy to hear that the youth were taught about the four key elements Jesus emphasised: preaching the gospel, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and working with his hands in the carpentry of Joseph,” Museveni said.
He acknowledged that historically, the Church had focused predominantly on spirituality, but now it was addressing the socio-economic aspects of youth engagement, which he hailed as a positive development.
The President also warned against identity-based politics, which he argued hinders economic progress.
He cited Uganda’s past, where conflicts based on religious and tribal identities set back development.
“We are now wealth creators. I’m a cattle keeper who produces milk, beef, bananas, and other crops. When people buy from me, they are supporting my prosperity. If you let identity politics divide you, you are an enemy of your own success,” he added.
Museveni pointed to countries like the United States, which, despite having a diverse population, prospered by uniting around common goals rather than focusing on tribal or religious identities.
He reiterated that patriotism is the key to Uganda’s prosperity, as every citizen needs the country to succeed for their own well-being.
He also urged the youth and local leaders to adopt the “four-acre model” of farming, where individuals cultivate coffee on one acre, fruits on another, grow pasture for zero-grazing cattle on a third, and use the fourth acre for food crops.
He also recommended including poultry, piggery, and fish farming in backyard areas, especially for those near wetlands.
Museveni encouraged local leaders to teach people how to escape poverty and join the money economy, saying, “I’m pushing those who are ready to move, but let us get out of poverty and create prosperity and jobs.”
The President also amidst ululations from the congegation donated Sh200m towards the establishment of a youth centre for Hoima Catholic Diocese.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja praised President Museveni for his efforts to develop the Bunyoro sub-region.
She highlighted the region’s progress under the rulling National Resistance Movement, including the construction of the neatly paved roads which are easing movement of people, the development of Kabalega Airport, and the establishment of Hoima Stadium, which is set to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations games.
She also commended the President for accelerating the discovery of oil in the Albertine Graben, establishing a blood bank at Hoima Hospital, and allocating Sh20b in the national budget for the establishment of the much anticipated Bunyoro University.
Bishop Vincent Kirabo of Hoima Catholic Diocese implored the youth to reflect on their lives and the purpose for which they were created.
In his sermon, he encouraged them to remain committed to their faith and live according to the values instilled by the Church, emphasising the importance of actions in helping others and the down trodden in creating positive change.
He also called on the youth to repent and adopt a new mindset, one focused on helping others and acting justly.
“When we assist others, we find reasons to rejoice,” he said.
Local leaders weigh In on the conference
Pius Wakabi Tujumba, Member of Parliament for Bugahya County in Hoima, commented on the President’s message, stressing that leaders need to support efforts to lift the population out of poverty and integrate them into the money economy. He noted that the President’s message was clear: transformation requires action at all levels.
Harriet Mugenyi Businge, Hoima district woman MP, echoed this sentiment, emphasising that youth make up 70% of Uganda’s population.
She warned that if they are not ideologically prepared and encouraged to use their energy productively, the country could face serious challenges. She described the conference as timely and vital for the youth’s future.
