Generation Z (Gen Z) youth have celebrated President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s 82nd birthday at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala, using the occasion to highlight messages on patriotism, wealth creation, skilling, value addition and socio-economic transformation.
The celebrations brought together Gen Z youth, government leaders and other stakeholders, with speakers calling on young people to take an active role in Uganda’s economic development.
In a message delivered by Vice President Jessica Alupo, President Museveni urged Gen Z and all Ugandans to embrace enlightenment, nationalism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation and democracy as key pillars of the country’s development.
Museveni said patriotism requires Ugandans to love their country, remain united and recognise the contribution of citizens regardless of age, tribe, gender, religion, region or social status.
He called for an end to discrimination and tribalism and emphasised the importance of Pan-Africanism, saying Africa’s large market offers Uganda opportunities to expand trade, increase production and create jobs.
“We need a larger market of 1.3 billion people — an African continental market for the excess products which we are producing across the country,” he said.
The President also called for continued industrialisation and value addition to create jobs for young people, enable Uganda to export finished products and increase earnings from international markets.
On wealth creation, Museveni said every Ugandan has a role to play in participating in productive economic activities. He urged households that remain outside the money economy to embrace income-generating activities.
“No one should be a spectator in the wealth creation process,” he said.
He identified commercial agriculture, industry, services and information and communication technology (ICT) among the sectors through which Ugandans can create wealth and jobs. He also called for continued efforts to fight corruption and guide citizens towards available economic opportunities.
On democracy, Museveni urged Ugandans to exercise their rights and responsibilities within the law.
“Always remember that rights come with responsibilities and respect for humanity,” he said.
Vice President Alupo thanked the organisers for celebrating the President’s birthday, saying the occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on his leadership and Uganda’s development.
She encouraged young people to take advantage of government programmes aimed at supporting wealth creation, education and skilling.
Alupo also highlighted the importance of the East African Community and the wider African market in expanding opportunities for Ugandan producers and young entrepreneurs.
The Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Minsa Kabanda, congratulated Museveni on his birthday and called on Gen Z to embrace messages on wealth creation and make use of available opportunities to improve their livelihoods.
The State Minister for Finance in charge of Investment and Privatisation, Amina Mukalazi, also congratulated the President and highlighted government initiatives in education, including Universal Primary Education.
The State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Mercy Lakisa, said the celebrations gave young people an opportunity to reflect on the country’s development and encouraged them to take responsibility for shaping Uganda’s future.
She highlighted programmes including the Parish Development Model, Emyooga and skilling centres as initiatives providing opportunities for young people.
Gumisiriza Ian Jeremiah, the Special Presidential Assistant on the Informal Sector, said Gen Z had marked the birthday through community activities, including a blood donation drive.
He said young entrepreneurs were also showcasing products at the celebrations as part of efforts to promote value addition and entrepreneurship.
The National Chairperson of Gen Z, Israel Kyarisima, urged young Ugandans to take responsibility for shaping their future and to participate in the country’s socio-economic transformation.
The celebrations at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds brought together young people, government officials and other stakeholders, with participants highlighting wealth creation, skilling, value addition, patriotism and youth participation in Uganda’s economy.
