First Lady and Minister for Education and Sports, Ms Janet Museveni, has appealed to the young generation to critically interrogate the promises made by politicians ahead of this week’s general elections.
In a message delivered on her behalf by Justice Catherine Bamugemerire at Ankole diocese Youth and Children Convention in Ruharo, Mbarara City on Sunday, Ms Museveni said some politicians may put young generation at risk for their own gains.
“As a nation, we are preparing ourselves for a sensitive season of elections. Elections bring excitement and make people very emotional, but also cause a lot of tension. Some politicians may put our young generation at risk for their own gains, and at the end of the day, it’s you, the young people, who will suffer most,” Ms Museveni said.
She told the youth how she has tested the fruits of instability, spending years in exile, and advised them not to be used by politicians who want to drive their own agenda.
“Question the motives, interrogate the promises politicians are telling you to make informed decisions. The world is filled with destruction and misleading voices; be the champions of peace as children of God,” she added.
Ms Museveni warned that despite different ideologies, politicians always reconcile, leaving communities divided and suffering. She encouraged the youth to use their generation to leave a positive example and become relevant for a better future.
Bishop Nathan Lusengo Amooti, of the Anglican Diocese of Kigali in Rwanda, appealed to Ugandans to be tolerant of each other during the elections.
“As the country heads to the general elections, accept each other’s opinion, be tolerant because this is not the last election. If someone you support loses or wins, do not attack each other,” Bishop Lusengo said.
The Bishop of Ankole Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sheldon Mwesigwa, said the convention aimed to equip young people with life skills and Christian values, amidst challenges like witchcraft, lack of parental love, domestic violence, and substance abuse.