President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Sunday held a candid and wide-ranging engagement with young Ugandans (Bazukulu) during the Jazz with Jajja conversation at State Lodge, Nakasero.
The interactive dialogue, moderated by the First Daughter, Mrs Natasha Museveni Karugire, brought together digital content creators, journalists, entrepreneurs and influencers, offering them a rare opportunity to directly engage the President on leadership, youth livelihoods, the digital economy and regional integration.
President Museveni encouraged young people to enjoy entertainment and sports but cautioned them against losing sight of the fundamentals of development. He stressed the importance of economic transformation, the regional market and the East African Federation as key pillars for sustainable progress.
“Dancing, football and entertainment are good, but they are pleasures. You must first have the basics,” the President said. “Many young people talk about dancing all the time, but rarely about the regional market. Development must come before pleasure.”
Responding to a question from TikTok influencer Sean Ibrahim, popularly known as Sean Styles, on what has sustained his long political journey, President Museveni said his motivation is rooted in identity, history and love for Africa and its future generations.
“What motivates me is love for myself as a Muhoororo of the Cow Clan, as a Ugandan and as an African. I love our people and our future generations,” he said. “History teaches us that the world is not kind to the weak. That is why I have always worked to ensure Africans remain strong, independent, and never return to slavery.”
The President also reflected on his personal resilience, attributing it to traditional African livelihoods, particularly cattle keeping, which he said instilled discipline, toughness and self-reliance.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to continued engagement with young people, noting that such conversations are vital in shaping a shared vision for Uganda and the continent.
“Mwebale nnyo, Bazzukulu,” the President said, as he pledged to hold more engagements of this kind.
