President Yoweri Museveni has sent a strong message to Uganda’s young generation, emphasizing that being young does not automatically make one a capable leader. Speaking during the online dialogue “Jazz with Jajja,” he stressed that leadership requires vision, discipline, and ideological clarity rather than just the energy of youth.
The session, held at Museveni’s Kisozi ranch, was attended by First Lady Janet Museveni and moderated by their daughter, Natasha Karugire. Young Ugandans used the platform to raise concerns about government representation and the need for youth inclusion in key decision-making roles.
One of the panellists, Tamale Mirundi Jr, challenged the president on why senior government positions remain dominated by older leaders despite Uganda’s predominantly young population. He urged for more appointments of youth, arguing that young leaders understand the real challenges facing their peers.
Museveni acknowledged the importance of youth representation, citing his past appointment of Evelyn Anite as minister in her twenties. Yet he was quick to warn that age is no guarantee of effective governance and that without the right principles, young leaders risk failure.
“Young people must not confuse biology with ideology,” he said, stressing that leadership is defined by purpose and understanding, not simply by age. He urged youths to focus on meaningful action rather than assuming that youthfulness alone is sufficient for progress.
Reflecting on Uganda’s independence-era leadership, Museveni noted that figures like Milton Obote and Kabaka Mutesa II were young when they assumed power, yet their leadership ultimately fell short. He pointed out that even youthful energy must be guided by vision to avoid mistakes.
The president also warned against distractions, noting that young leaders who prioritize entertainment, such as following football clubs, over wealth creation and job opportunities, will fail to advance the nation. Commitment to national development, he said, must come before personal leisure.
Drawing lessons from Uganda’s 1980s liberation struggle, Museveni highlighted that many fighters were young, yet what mattered most was the correctness of their cause. He concluded that responsibility, ideological clarity, and a clear sense of purpose—not age—should guide leadership appointments
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