Published on 26/11/2025
NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong has urged students at Kabale University to remain ideologically grounded and avoid being swayed by political opportunists who exploit youth excitement without offering real solutions.
Speaking to students during an evening engagement at the university, Todwong described young people as “valuable raw materials” capable of becoming influential leaders, professionals, and innovators—if they anchor themselves in knowledge, discipline, and ideological clarity.
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He cautioned students against supporting political causes merely for popularity or excitement, saying many opportunists target young people who wear party colours but lack content. “There is a difference between being biologically young and ideologically young,” he said. “Do not be an NRM supporter simply because you have a yellow T-shirt. Be a supporter with content—someone who understands what they stand for.”
Todwong reminded the students that society expects university graduates to be knowledgeable and transformative. He challenged them to understand not only national issues but also their communities, districts, and even their own institution. “A villager should be able to ask you about Kabale University and trust that you know what you’re talking about,” he noted.
The NRM SG further advised students to guard themselves against manipulation by individuals he referred to as political opportunists—people who promise quick fixes, exploit frustrations, or misrepresent Uganda’s progress for personal gain. He encouraged learners to examine competing political ideas critically, rather than being persuaded by “noise and excitement.”
During his lecture, Todwong emphasized the historical journey of Uganda under different governments and highlighted what he described as NRM’s contribution to peace, stability, and population growth. He urged young people to protect what he called “the gains made over the years,” arguing that many of Uganda’s current challenges require informed leadership rather than opportunistic rhetoric.
He also reminded the students that leadership is a calling, rooted in character, reliability, and service—not in seeking quick popularity. “Opportunists will tell you what you want to hear. But true leaders focus on long-term transformation,” he said.
Todwong called on students to seek mentors who provide moral guidance and to cultivate internal discipline and personal responsibility. He urged them to prepare for a competitive job market where attitude, adaptability, and character matter more than degree classification.
He ended by encouraging students to remain focused, hardworking, and ideologically firm.
