President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on university student leaders to prioritise wealth creation, ideological understanding and peaceful engagement, urging them to position themselves as problem solvers within society.
The President made the remarks during a meeting with leaders of the Inter-University Guild Leaders Network held on January 7, 2026, at State Lodge, Nakasero. He stressed that leadership must be guided by critical analysis and a clear understanding of societal challenges.
“Society is like medicine because a doctor looks at a patient and says what is this patient suffering from?” President Museveni said. “That is what politics should be about.”
Reflecting on his student days, the President noted that studying political economy helped shape his understanding of social change and leadership, a foundation he encouraged today’s student leaders to embrace.
He said Uganda’s long-standing struggle since the 1960s has centred on transforming citizens into producers of wealth, not dependents.
“We must have a society of wealth creators, not parasites,” President Museveni said. “Once you are a wealth creator, you become responsible, and responsible families build a strong society.”
Using his background as a cattle keeper, the President highlighted the role of markets, patriotism and regional integration in sustaining production. He explained that relying only on local consumption limits economic growth.
“That is why NRM talks about patriotism; love Uganda because you need it for your own good,” he said. “When Uganda’s market is not enough, you need the East African market. That is why you must love Africa for your prosperity.”
The President described ideology as a structured way of interpreting society that should guide political and economic choices. He warned student leaders against destructive actions, especially violence.
“You cannot have ideology in your head and then go for violence,” he said. “Violence destroys what you and others have built together through taxes.”
He urged the leaders to exercise restraint and strategy in their actions, noting that confrontation should only be considered when all other options have failed.
“Fighting is like surgery. It is only used when other methods have failed, and even then, it must be targeted, not random,” President Museveni said.
The President further encouraged student leaders to harness digital platforms and mass communication channels to engage fellow students and promote constructive dialogue.
“You have your network. Use social media and other remote means like radios and SMS to communicate and mobilize,” he added.
Representing the Inter-University Guild Leaders Network, Mr. James Ssentamu said the engagement focused on exploring how student leadership can positively impact both universities and the wider country.
“The idea is to see how best we can benefit students from our universities as well as the country,” Mr. Ssentamu said.
He said the network remains actively involved in promoting peace, stability and dialogue within universities and tertiary institutions.
The meeting was attended by guild presidents from Makerere University, Gulu University, Uganda Christian University, Kyambogo University, Makerere University Business School, Ankole University, Rubirizi Institute, Medcare Health Professionals and other institutions.
