20,000 Youth, 15,000 Taxi Operators Declare Support for NRM

Over 20,000 young people and 15,000 taxi operators pledged their allegiance to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) on Thursday during a major gathering presided over by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

The event, described as long-awaited and historic, was attended by NRM cadres, youth leaders, taxi operators, and senior government officials. Hon. Alice Kaboyo, Minister of State for Luweero Triangle, welcomed the President and hailed the day as one of “great expectation.”

In her address, Hon. Kaboyo shared a story of transformation inspired by the President’s forgiveness. She recalled how, in May 2021, a group of young men and women were arrested and convicted for violence and possession of explosives. Instead of condemnation, President Museveni granted them amnesty.

“Through your wisdom and goodwill, Your Excellency, you forgave them and gave them another chance to rebuild their lives,” Kaboyo said.

Following their release, the former convicts formed the NRM Cadres 2025 Bali Bali SACCO, a cooperative aimed at promoting economic empowerment, unity, and peace. The group has since expanded into several districts nationwide.

“Their story is proof that no Ugandan is beyond redemption. With the right guidance and mentorship, young people can become ambassadors of peace and progress,” Kaboyo told the President, adding that 20,000 young men and women had since “returned home” and embraced the values of the Movement.

She commended various cadres including Kwizera, RDC Rwababazi, Mbazira, and Col. Nsamba Paul for their role in mobilising and guiding the youth away from what she termed “politics of destruction, deceit and ignorance.”

In addition to the youth, Kaboyo highlighted the participation of 15,000 taxi operators from the Uganda Taxi Operators Federation (UTOF), who reaffirmed their support for the ruling party.

“This hardworking group is the backbone of our public transport system, serving millions of Ugandans daily. They look up to your wisdom and guidance, and they reaffirm their commitment to shaping your vision of socio-economic transformation,” she noted.

Hon. Kaboyo praised President Museveni for his leadership and inclusiveness, saying his ability to welcome all Ugandans demonstrated the enduring NRM vision of unity.

“Uganda belongs to all of us, and their decision to join hands with the ruling Movement is testimony to the vision you have always emphasised, a Uganda where no one is left behind,” she said.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni congratulated the former prisoners for turning away from what he described as misleading opposition politics, noting that they had “realised their mistakes” and earned his forgiveness.

He warned that some leaders in NUP and sections of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) misguide the youth into danger, resulting in unnecessary deaths.

“I have heard your memorandum, and we will study it,” President Museveni said, before urging the converts to focus on building better lives through government programs.

The President emphasized that the current opposition has “nothing to offer,” likening it to past political parties such as Kabaka Yekka, which he said promoted sectarianism and led to conflict. He called on the youth to embrace government initiatives in health, education and wealth creation.

Hon. Rosemary Sseninde, NRM Director of Mobilization, hailed President Museveni’s leadership and congratulated him on his nomination to run for President again, saying he was the only leader with a vision for Uganda’s transformation.

Musician Joseph Mayanja, popularly known as Dr. Jose Chameleone, expressed gratitude to the President for supporting him during illness and pledged to mobilize votes for him.

Taxi operators under their umbrella association, Uganda Taxi Operators Federation appreciated the President for resolving industry conflicts and constructing a new taxi park.

The Federation chairperson, Mr. Rashid Ssekindi, asked President Museveni to extend financial support to taxi SACCOs and facilitate access to locally manufactured Kiira Motors vehicles.

The converts reaffirmed their commitment to mobilize for the NRM, promising to contribute peacefully to Uganda’s development and to stand firmly with President Museveni.