NELSON K
PACEID National Mobilizer Mr. Francis Kagonyera has raised an alert to the Rukungiri District NRM leadership, urging them to prioritize building patriotism and nationalism among the youth, who are the future leaders of tomorrow. He encouraged young people to start self-help projects to benefit from support provided by President Y. K. Museveni and to build a strong future.
The address took place at Rukungiri Inn Hotel during the NRM Youth Delegates Conference, attended by fifteen sub-county youth councillors. Mr. Kagonyera, representing the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industry (PACEID), called on Rukungiri District NRM leadership to support and guide youth to become responsible future leaders under the NRM government and President Museveni. He emphasized the importance of fostering patriotism and nationalism among the youth, making them capable of contributing to the social, economic, and political development of Uganda.
Mr. Kagonyera condemned leaders and politicians who bribe youth with money in exchange for support or votes, instead of encouraging them to undertake economic projects that promote prosperity and productivity growth.
He urged youth to join PACEID programs to gain skills and develop self-employment opportunities. He highlighted thirteen projects established under President Museveni’s directive to support youth, including coffee growing, banana plantations, poultry and egg production, fish rearing, and more. He encouraged young people to be committed to learning, upgrading their education, and acquiring skills, noting that scholarships and training opportunities would be provided through PACEID in partnership with the Ministry of Education.
Through guidance and counseling, Mr. Kagonyera assured the youth that starting these projects would open opportunities for support from the President, government ministries, and other leaders. He urged them to be keen to learn, evaluate beneficial friendships, empower themselves, and overcome poverty.
He further called on youth to exercise maturity and responsibility in choosing leaders who bring genuine community development, rather than voting for money. He emphasized shifting from “had I known” regrets to practical action, while using leadership opportunities to build meaningful connections and relationships.
Mr. Kagonyera also delivered a strong message on personal responsibility, urging youth to understand their origins and future paths, stop engaging in hooliganism, alcoholism, drug abuse, adultery, and street protests. He emphasized that discipline and good behavior are essential tools for success.
He pledged to distribute hens and Natrand coffee seedlings to Rukungiri youth and encouraged them to use knowledge, intelligence, planning, observation, and reflection to secure their future, embrace economic development, and acquire leadership skills through connections whenever possible. He challenged the youth to view leadership as a voluntary service to promote community development, not a tool for corruption or harming others.
As a result of the conference, youth pledged to change their mentality and ethical behaviors, start self-help projects, and support President Museveni’s plans to boost generational productivity and reduce poverty. They also requested mentorship courses for guidance and counseling.
Mugarura George Kaana and Byaruhanga Charles, chief mobilizers of the workshop, appreciated Mr. Francis Kagonyera for laying a foundation for youth empowerment and self-economic project development, contributing to a stronger future for Uganda’s next generation.
