President Museveni Urges Youth to Fight Corruption and Embrace Skill Development at International Youth Day

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has renewed his call for Ugandan youth to combat corruption through appropriate and legal channels.

Speaking at the International Youth Day celebrations held at Soroti Core Primary Teachers’ College in Soroti District on Monday, the President emphasized the importance of accountability in government spending.

“Avoid and fight corruption. You don’t need to take to the streets and riot; instead, fight corruption by monitoring how government money is being spent. Keep track of the figures, and if you discover any misappropriation, report it to the RDC. If the RDC doesn’t act, we have other channels to address these issues,” President Museveni said.

The celebrations, themed “Skills Development for Enhancement of Youth Opportunities,” highlighted the potential of youth as key contributors to society. International Youth Day, observed annually on August 12, focuses on bringing youth issues to the forefront of the global agenda.

President Museveni reassured Ugandans that corruption can be effectively tackled if citizens work together. “We can eliminate these corrupt individuals; they are not a big problem. All we need are the facts,” he stated.

He also urged young people and activists to insist on the implementation of free education in government schools. Museveni expressed frustration over the failure to fully realize this program, which he believes is essential for national development.

“When we introduced free education, we knew its importance. Back in 1958, in areas like Kyamate, Ntungamo, only a few children went to schools like Mbarara High School. Many did not go to school at all, and those who did rarely progressed beyond Primary Six. This is what we sought to change. Free education in government primary and secondary schools is crucial. Those who are wealthy can send their children to private schools,” he explained.

Museveni questioned why some leaders have reintroduced fees in Universal Primary Education (UPE) schools, pointing out the disparity between the number of students in primary and secondary schools.

“According to the figures I have, there are 11 million children in primary schools, but only 1.7 million in secondary schools. Where have the 9.3 million learners gone? Go back to your villages and check how many children dropped out of school,” he urged.

The President also advised schoolchildren to help their families during holidays to stabilize household incomes. He shared his personal experiences of contributing to wealth creation from a young age, but cautioned parents against overburdening their children.

“I would advise parents not to exploit their children as we were exploited. My children and grandchildren now don’t face the same pressures I did,” Museveni noted.

He further emphasized the importance of physical fitness, spiritual development, and cultural audit during youth. “Participate in sports and exercises to stay fit. Engage in religious programs to cultivate discipline and fear of God. We should also evaluate our cultures to recommend positive practices for our children, as some traditional customs, like the mistreatment of women, are harmful,” he said.

President Museveni encouraged the youth to embrace the four principles of the National Resistance Movement (NRM): Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socio-economic Transformation, and Democracy. He advised them to engage in wealth creation through sectors such as commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT, noting that government jobs are limited.

The President also warned against environmental degradation, particularly the misuse of swamps. “The swamps must be protected as they are essential for sustaining dry land,” he cautioned.

Museveni commended the people of Teso for their efforts in fighting poverty through commercial agriculture, particularly citrus farming. He assured them of government support in stabilizing the market.

The Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Hon. Betty Amongi, highlighted the importance of skills development in addressing youth unemployment. She noted that Uganda has one of the youngest and fastest-growing populations in the world, with 78.8 percent of the population under the age of 35.

“More than 1 million young people enter the job market every year, presenting both an opportunity and a challenge. Our education system is not fully aligned with labor market needs, leading to a mismatch of skills and employability,” Amongi said.

The Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, reassured the youth that the government is committed to addressing unemployment through skill development initiatives.

The UN Resident Coordinator in Uganda, Ms. Susan Ngongi Namondo, and the Danish Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Signe Winding Albjerg, echoed the importance of investing in youth and addressing the challenges they face.

The Chairperson of the National Youth Council-Uganda, Mr. Jacob Eyeru, thanked President Museveni for his efforts in guiding the youth towards education and job creation. He also commended the government for setting up skill hubs to tackle youth unemployment.

The event was attended by Vice President H.E Jessica Alupo, Ministers, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Members of Parliament, and other dignitaries.

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