By Eye Media Reporter | Entebbe – June 25, 2025
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially welcomed 191 youth who recently defected from various opposition political parties and joined the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), describing their move as “wise, patriotic, and courageous.”
The group—drawn from Mubende, Kassanda, and Mityana districts—has been undergoing intensive ideological training at the National Leadership Institute (NALI), Kyankwanzi, under the stewardship of Col. Okei Rukogota. Of the group, 145 were male and 46 female.
Addressing the converts at State House Entebbe, President Museveni emphasized that their decision marked a critical turning point in their lives and Uganda’s political future.
“You have made a wise choice. Those opposition groups are merciless. They use you to push foreign agendas and tell you to reject government programs meant to help you,” the President remarked.
He praised the youth for choosing to align with the principles of patriotism, socio-economic transformation, and peace—key tenets of the NRM’s vision since 1986.
Museveni’s Personal Testimony
In a rare personal reflection, the President recounted his early political life in the Democratic Party (DP), reminding the youth that ideological flexibility is necessary when the country’s interests are at stake.
“Even when Obote rigged the 1962 elections, I told fellow DP members, ‘He may have stolen votes, but he didn’t steal your food.’ We had to be smart and use what was available to transform our lives.”
Shs100 Million Boost for Youth SACCO
To support their reintegration and empowerment, President Museveni pledged Shs 100 million towards the formation of their SACCO. The group plans to register and operationalize it across their home districts as a financial vehicle for starting small businesses and farming ventures.
They also requested coffee seedlings under Operation Wealth Creation to start implementing the President’s famed Four-Acre Model.
“Fish farming alone can give you up to Shs 80 million a year from just one acre,” the President explained, reinforcing his long-standing message of calculated farming (ekibalo).
NRM Ideology, Patriotism, and Skilling
Ms. Hellen Seku, Commissioner at the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC), hailed the converts and thanked President Museveni for prioritizing youth engagement.
“These young people are no longer just former opposition youth. They are now trained, value-driven citizens prepared to return home and champion peace, development, and national unity.”
She stressed the training focused on teamwork, civic responsibility, environment conservation, and health consciousness—especially amidst rising concerns of HIV/AIDS infections among the youth.
“Go back, plant trees, protect the peace, and above all, take care of your health. HIV is spreading like wildfire,” Ms. Seku warned.
Col. Rukogota: “True Patriotism Begins with Mindset Change”
Col. Okei Rukogota, NALI Director, commended the youth for embracing change and the NALI team for delivering a successful ideological retreat.
“Your willingness to learn and change is a sign of true patriotism. Uganda needs more young people like you,” he said.
Converts Speak Out: “We Were Misled”
Mr. Mutumba Byakatonda, a councilor from Mubende Municipality, spoke on behalf of the group and admitted that many of them were once passionate opposition figures.
“Your Excellency, I personally joined the opposition after you commissioned Mubende Central Market. I thought the opposition had better answers. But today, I stand here renewed and proud to be back in the NRM.”
He said the ideological training had opened their eyes to real opportunities under the NRM, and promised to be ambassadors of transformation.
“We are committed to supporting you and the NRM government in building a prosperous Uganda.”
The Eye Media – Reporting the Pulse of Uganda
📍 For updates, follow us on X: @eyemediauganda | Facebook: Eye Media Uganda
