Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba has cautioned the youth against being used by self-seeking political leaders, warning that such actions are only destroying their future. Speaking during the Parish Day celebrations at Our Lady of Fatima Mwera Catholic Parish-Kakindu in Mityana District on May 18, she expressed concern over youth who abuse leaders instead of engaging in meaningful development.
She questioned where some young people find the courage to bully leaders, noting that these very leaders hold the power to transform their lives. “Instead of abusing people, use that time to focus on development. We have government programs you can tap into to transform your lives. Avoid being used, because at the end of the day, you have to eat and take care of your family,” she warned.
Minister Nabakooba, who also serves as the coordinator of the Parish Development Model in Greater Mubende, expressed disappointment in some opposition leaders whose motivations for seeking leadership remain unclear. She emphasized that a good leader should care about the welfare of their people, not use their positions to sow division.
Her sentiments were echoed by the Bishop of Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese, Joseph Anthony Zziwa, who presided over the Parish Day Mass. During the event, 160 children were confirmed and six couples received holy matrimony. The Bishop highlighted diocesan efforts to help parishes achieve financial independence, pointing out coffee growing and dairy farming as key initiatives. Each parish is expected to plant at least three acres of coffee, while others have taken up dairy farming.
Bishop Zziwa advised the youth to stay away from divisive politics as the country approaches the 2026 general elections. “We understand you want leadership, but follow the right trails. Do not taint a bad image to your fellow candidates. Be careful and play good politics that will not affect your lives,” he said.
Earlier, while presiding over Youth Day at Misigi Catholic Parish in Maanyi Sub-county, Minister Nabakooba encouraged the youth to form cooperative groups, engage in government programs, and develop a saving culture. She praised the youth led by Innocent Ssebandeke, who shared that their group had saved Shs 4.5 million from their earnings.
Ssebandeke appealed to the minister to lobby for more support to help youth grow their businesses. Minister Nabakooba urged them not to rely solely on donations but to work hard and use such support only as a boost.
Bishop Zziwa supported the minister’s message, highlighting the issue of rampant coffee theft in Mityana, especially among youth. “All of us have financial issues, but we are working hard to ensure we can get what we want. Let this serve as an example that you can start small and grow big,” he said.
He emphasized the positive impact of church-led projects, noting significant improvements in parishes that embraced the coffee and dairy farming initiatives. Bishop Zziwa is optimistic that by 2031, Kiyinda-Mityana Diocese will be self-reliant.
Under the coffee-growing initiative, each parish is encouraged to cultivate at least three acres of coffee. Alongside this, dairy farming is being promoted, and the Bishop urged participants to use quality breeds to ensure high productivity.
