In a bold show of defiance, the National Unity Platform (NUP) successfully held its Annual Youth Convention today at the Jinja Show Grounds, despite concerted efforts by Ugandan regime forces to disrupt the event. Led by NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, the convention drew large crowds of young people, determined to show their unwavering commitment to the fight for freedom and democracy in Uganda.
The Ugandan police and military made several attempts to block the event. Initially, they prevented the NUP from using Kakindu Stadium, a venue that had been both booked and paid for. The authorities further intensified their efforts by blocking major roads in Jinja town to make it difficult for the youth to attend. Despite these tactics, young people from all over Uganda turned up in significant numbers, overcoming the obstacles and joining the convention in a show of unity and resilience.
Addressing the crowd, Bobi Wine expressed his pride in the youth and condemned the government’s actions, stating, “Despite the intimidation and last-minute demobilization tactics by the regime police and military, young people turned up in large numbers to reaffirm their commitment to the struggle for freedom and democracy. The partisan police blocked us from using Kakindu Stadium that we had initially booked and paid for. They then blocked most major roads in Jinja town hoping to make it difficult for the young people to show up but it also failed to work.”
During his speech, Bobi Wine reminded the youth of their critical role in shaping Uganda’s future, saying, “I used the occasion to remind the young people of Uganda about their historical mission at this critical time when our nation is at a crossroads. YOU ARE THE LEADERS OF THE FUTURE AND THE FUTURE IS TODAY. The youth must play a central role in not only re-imagining the future of our country but also getting behind the steering wheel that leads Uganda there.”
He concluded by thanking the leadership of the NUP Youth League, specifically Hon. Francis Zaake, for organizing the event. “Thank you Hon. Zaake Francis and the entire leadership of our Youth League for organizing this important event,” he added.
Nile Post highlighted the extraordinary lengths the government went to in trying to demobilize the youth, noting how the authorities used roadblocks and restrictions to prevent large gatherings. Nevertheless, the youth managed to navigate the restrictions and gather in Jinja in a remarkable show of unity and defiance.
Daily Monitor echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the resilience of Uganda’s young population. Interviews with some of the attendees showed their determination to push for change despite the regime’s oppressive measures. The publication also featured Bobi Wine’s message to the youth, stressing their importance in shaping the nation’s future.
NTV Uganda aired live footage of the convention, showcasing the massive turnout and the spirited atmosphere. Youth attendees were seen chanting slogans of freedom and calling for political change, with Bobi Wine’s address being a focal point of the coverage.
The Observer provided an in-depth look at Bobi Wine’s speech, focusing on his call for young people to take control of their future. The publication also touched on the logistical challenges posed by the regime’s efforts to block the event and how the youth outmaneuvered these obstacles.
This year’s NUP Youth Convention demonstrated the resilience and determination of Uganda’s youth to continue their fight for democracy, despite ongoing intimidation and suppression by the state. The event stands as a powerful reminder that the country’s young generation is ready to lead the change they want to see. CMP will continue to monitor and report on developments in Uganda’s ongoing struggle for freedom.