Museveni says worried about Uganda’s youth

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President Yoweri Museveni says it pains him to see Uganda’s youth watching European football instead of concentrating on things that will change their lives.

“I feel pain and get worried when I see the youth watching European football and debating which team is going to win. Now, how does that concern me? I have never watched European football, and I’m now 81,” he said.

Museveni made the remarks on December 3, 2025, while interacting with journalists from the Ankole region at his country home in Rwakitura, Kiruhura district.

The evening interaction in Runyankole was broadcast live on several TV and radio stations in the country. It was mostly attended by youth.

“To find that you are not caring about what concerns your life, and you are going into that… I don't know what you are looking for. Is it for entertainment? When I was about your age and very young, we were always worried about Africa,” Museveni said.

He noted that one of the dangers that Africa faces is the market for their produce. 

The President, who is campaigning for re-election next year, asked if anyone thinks the internal market of Uganda is enough, why would the Chinese, who have a population of 1.4 billion people, be looking for markets abroad.

“When we produce things here, who will buy them? Is Uganda’s internal market of about 50 people now enough? If it was enough, why are the Chinese still looking for foreign markets when they have a population of 1.4 billion people?” he asked.

Obsessed with titles

Museveni, who has led Uganda uninterrupted since January 1986, said Ugandans are obsessed with titles.

“Then you are there obsessed with titles: His Excellency, the Right Honourable, Honourable so-and-so and then there are religious leaders with all their titles. Now, where are you going? What are you preparing for those running wealth creation projects? Are you preparing enough market for their produce?” he asked.

He is campaigning under the theme: “Protecting the Gains, Making a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status.”

The theme focuses on safeguarding achievements over the past 39 years, such as peace and development, while aiming to propel Uganda to high middle-income status.

Other gains include wealth creation initiatives, job opportunities, service delivery, market access, as well as East African political federation.