President Museveni yesterday presented awards to a group of distinguished Ugandan elders at the National Mentorship Day Awards ceremony held at State House, Entebbe.
The event celebrated individuals who have significantly contributed to Uganda’s socio-economic progress, including industrialists, farmers, activists, educators, religious leaders, and lawyers. Among the honourees were Miria Matembe and Prof. Frederick Ssempebwa, both known for their past criticisms of Museveni’s leadership.
The ceremony, attended by student leaders, youth, and other guests, aimed to inspire younger generations to emulate these role models. Other awardees included prominent figures such as Justice James Ogola, Dr. Ian Clarke, Gordon Wavamuno, Aga Sekalala, Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala, Robert Walimbwa, William Mukaira, Erukana Ssegane, and Stephen Rwangyezi.
In his speech, Museveni congratulated the awardees for their remarkable work, crediting them for contributing to Uganda’s development in various fields. He specifically thanked Odrek Rwabwogo, the patron of the awards and chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development, for identifying these elders.
Museveni reflected on Uganda’s past, noting that post-independence turmoil forced many, including intellectuals and industrialists, to flee the country.
“Now, everybody is here. All the different opinions are here, and they are all contributing in their different ways. This is very good,” he said.
The inclusion of Matembe, a renowned activist and former minister, and Prof. Frederick Ssempebwa, a respected legal scholar, stood out due to their history of openly criticising Museveni’s government. Matembe has been vocal about governance issues and women’s rights, while Ssempebwa has critiqued aspects of Uganda’s legal and political systems.
Museveni also addressed the youth, urging them to work with elders to shape Uganda’s future while embracing necessary change.
“Nobody should tell you that everything old must go away, but the old people should not insist on everything staying the same,” he advised.
The Minister for Presidency, Milly Babalanda, praised Museveni as the nation’s “chief mentor” and described the event as a historic moment that reflects his commitment to these principles. She noted that the awards provide an opportunity to draw inspiration from Museveni’s leadership and revolutionary ideas.
Rwabwogo explained the focus on honouring elders, stating that their knowledge and experience are vital for guiding Uganda’s predominantly young population.
“In a country where the majority are young, you need a seedbed where leaders spring from,” he said. Rwabwogo, emphasised the importance of intergenerational collaboration, lamenting that many young people are disconnected from their history due to limited engagement with elders or reading.
The National Mentorship Day Awards, now in its third year, seeks to honour those whose leadership and resilience have shaped Uganda. Matthew Bagonza, a coordinator of the initiative, described it as a practical effort to strengthen families, communities, and the nation’s future by spotlighting exemplary figures.
