President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has sent a strong and direct message to young people across Uganda.
He urged them to focus more on activities that can lift them out of poverty instead of spending too much time watching football matches.
While speaking to media influencers earlier today, the President emphasized that the future of the country depends on how the youth use their time and energy.
He said young people must concentrate on wealth creation and knowledge if they want to transform their lives.
“The youth should concentrate on things that will lift them out of poverty and ignorance,” Museveni said firmly.
His remarks were aimed at encouraging young Ugandans to think beyond entertainment and prioritize economic empowerment.
According to the President, football and other forms of entertainment are not bad in themselves.
However, he warned that spending many hours watching matches without working on personal development can slow down progress.
Museveni explained that wealth creation requires discipline, planning, and hard work. He urged young people to invest their time in learning skills, starting businesses, and improving their education.
He noted that Uganda has many opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and services.
Instead of being glued to television screens, he said the youth should identify these opportunities and take advantage of them.
The President also highlighted the importance of mindset change. He said poverty is not only about lack of money but also about lack of knowledge and direction. By gaining practical skills and financial literacy, young people can break free from poverty.
Museveni has often spoken about government programs designed to support youth development. He reminded influencers that their role should be to guide young followers toward productive activities rather than promoting lifestyles that do not add value.
He stressed that while football clubs in Europe make billions of dollars, many African youths simply consume the entertainment without benefiting financially. He encouraged them to think about how they can create similar wealth in their own country.
The President’s comments sparked mixed reactions online. Some young people agreed with him, saying that too much time is wasted on sports betting and endless match analysis.
Others, however, argued that football can also create jobs and inspire talent. They pointed out that sports itself can be a career path if properly developed and supported.
Museveni clarified that his message was not against sports but against misplaced priorities. He said watching football should not replace education, work, or innovation.
He encouraged media influencers to promote positive messages about saving, investing, and entrepreneurship. According to him, social media has great power to shape the thinking of millions of young Ugandans.
The President also called on families and community leaders to guide the youth. He said discipline at home and in schools plays a key role in shaping responsible citizens.
Museveni emphasized that Uganda’s economy is growing and that young people must position themselves to benefit from this growth. He warned that opportunities will not wait for those who are unprepared.
He further advised the youth to avoid peer pressure and quick-money schemes. Instead, he said they should focus on long-term investments and sustainable income sources.
In his closing remarks, Museveni repeated that the key to success is productive effort. He said nations develop when their young population is hardworking and focused.
The message comes at a time when youth unemployment remains a major concern in Uganda. Many observers believe that practical advice on entrepreneurship and skills development is crucial.
Whether praised or criticized, Museveni’s statement has once again sparked a national conversation.
His core message remains clear: young people must prioritize wealth creation and knowledge if they want to secure a better future.
