President Museveni has said people who contribute to the development of a society should be remembered and appreciated.
“If you don’t recognize people who do well, then you let down society” he says noting that failure to recognize such e people if the ones who do well are not remembered and appreciated, there’s a likelihood that other people may not bother to excel in doing well.
The Head of State made the last evening remarks during the Elders Mentorship/Leadership Awards luncheon 2024, held at State House Entebbe.
The awarding ceremony was organized by the Office of the Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Duties, headed by son-in-Law Odrek Rwabwogo, who is also the Chairperson of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID).
Held under the theme: “Modelling the right behaviour for the youth of Africa in the 21st Century”, The Elders Mentorship/Leadership Awards aims to recognize individuals who have shown exceptional service and leadership in their respective fields, making a significant positive impact on Uganda’s development.
Museveni saluted Rwabwogo and his group for organizing the event.
“I normally support them, but they are the ones who brought the idea and pushed it. I thank them because if you don’t recognize people who do well, then you let down society” he said.
At the event, at least 16 elders were recognized for their immense role in the development of the country.
ABOUT MENTORSHIP
Museveni explained that to get the accurate mentorship, people must first understand the story of nature and society as well as the story of the human being as the primary changer of society.
“Advancement of science and technology is the primal of social change. In advanced societies, man is able to tame nature. Therefore, in your mentorship you must clarify the role of science and technology in any society to deal with the issue of oppression of man by nature,” he advised the organisers.
The president added that as they mentor the young people, it is very important that they get this story of the human race so that they know where we belong.
“The starting point of mentoring is getting an accurate understanding of the human story of society and nature.” he said.
President Museveni also revealed that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government has been able to make progress because it accurately diagnosed the society and came up with the solution to the problems of Ugandans.
“Mentorship means accurate diagnosis of society, history and nature of the universe. Then you add in discipline. If you are disciplined on the wrong line, you will not get results. The NRM government has been able to make some progress because of that. That is why we have been able to bring stability” he said.
Museveni said his NRM was able to reject the politics of identity, and instead concentrated on solving people’s needs.
“Once you have got a correct analysis which people call vision, you add discipline, you will be able to make a correct contribution. Spirituality is also very crucial because it adds to the discipline; it makes people know that there’s a superior force that is looking at what we are doing.” he advised.
OULANYAH WAS A GOOD CADRE
This ceremony also provided an opportunity to pay tribute to late speaker Jacob Oulanyah for his dedication and commitment to public service.
Museveni described Oulanyah as a good Cadre who listened to the message of the NRM government that enabled him to turn out to be one of the top leaders in the country before his demise.
“You remember he started off from UPC, but when he listened to the message of the NRM he was honest enough to say that I think these people are right. He was able to listen intellectually to what we were saying, and he was persuaded by the accuracy of what we were describing and eventually joined the NRM and became very prominent in the party; that is how he ended up becoming the Speaker which is position number 3 in the whole country after President and Vice President,” the President said, adding that Oulanyah was able to do what he did because of a correct vision.
“If you all follow what we have been saying, the country will move very fast because we have got everything here, but the main problem has been what should be done and why. You find people doing things which are not answering that question. What is the correct thing to do? We have told you about the commercialization of Agriculture with “ekibaro”, industries and artisanship, services and ICT.” he said.
Meanwhile, the Vice President Maj. Jessica Alupo congratulated the awardees upon receiving recognition for their fundamental role in the socio-economic transformation of Uganda.
“Your Excellency the theme of today’s ceremony resonates very well with what you are known for in the African Union, i.e. the champion of integration because the theme underscores the role of the youth in the transformation of the African Continent,” she said.
Delivering his keynote speech, the Speaker of the House of People’s Representatives of Ethiopia, Hon. Tagesse Chafo Dullo, conveyed greetings from the people of Ethiopia to the President and people of Uganda.
“We are brothers and sisters from another mother. Allow me to extend my sincere appreciation to the people and government of Uganda for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to me and my delegation,” he said.
Hon. Chafo also thanked Museveni and his government for establishing a national platform to recognize public servants who have served their country with integrity and courage.
“We must empower and pave a way for the African youth to assume their rightful positions through the right mentorship and guidance. As we strive for economic growth, innovation, peace and stability, we must not just include young African leaders but also actively engage and empower them,” he said.
The function was attended by former premiers Amama Mbabazi, Kintu Musoke, ministers Ruth Nankabirwa, Norbert Mao, Gen. Katumba Wamala, Eng. Hillary Obalker Onek, Jacob Oulanyah’s family among others.
