BY Joseph Kiggundu
President Yoweri Museveni is expected to address more than 15,000 National Resistance Movement (NRM) youth at a major conference organized by Aya Group of Companies in Kampala.
The event, scheduled for Tuesday, January 13, 2025, will be held at the Pearl of Africa Hotel and will bring together youth representatives from all divisions of the city under the theme “Youth Power Decide 2026 Conference.”
Speaking to journalists at the Pearl of Africa Hotel, Aya Group Chairman Mr. Mohammad Hamid said the company will fully sponsor and host the conference as part of its commitment to youth empowerment and national development. He described the gathering as a strategic youth mobilization platform aimed at promoting leadership, unity, discipline, and active participation in the country’s political and development processes ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Mr. Hamid noted that a formal invitation has been extended to President Museveni to officiate at the conference and address the youth. After the meeting, participants are expected to join the President in a march to Kololo Airstrip, where he is scheduled to hold his final campaign rally ahead of Thursday’s polls.
Kampala is expected to come alive with activity as NRM supporters organize caravans across the city to rally support for the party. Mr. Hamid emphasized the importance of strengthening engagement between national leadership and the youth, saying the conference will also lay a foundation for future youth-focused development projects at the division level.
He added that Aya Group remains committed to supporting NRM’s success in the elections and has pledged to create employment opportunities for thousands of young people in the coming years. The company has also committed to supporting youth-led initiatives aligned with the development priorities of Kampala’s divisions.
NRM flag bearer mayoral candidates from different Kampala divisions, led by Makindye Division mayoral candidate Yasin Omari, welcomed Aya Group’s initiative. They applauded the company for organizing and supporting youth across the city and for mobilizing them to back President Museveni.
The leaders called on the President to attend the conference and offer guidance and inspiration to the youth ahead of voting day. Mr. Omari thanked Aya Group for standing with young people, noting that many youths have continued to support the NRM despite limited benefits in the past.
He urged voters to turn out in large numbers and support President Museveni and other NRM candidates, while also appealing to national leadership to provide tangible support to the young generation.
Organizers say the conference will demonstrate the unity, confidence, and readiness of Uganda’s youth to actively support national leadership and contribute meaningfully to the country’s future development.