The state Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, has recommended the National Unity Platform-NUP leaders and supporters to head to Kyankwazi for military drills that are free for charge.
While responding to journalists’ questions about the high number of youths in prison on politically motivated charges ahead of the youth day celebrations that will be held in Masindi 0n 19th this month, the state Balaam, lamented that politicians often use young people for their own gain, abandoning them when they face arrest.
“I’m also a human being. I have emotions, watching these young people being hoodwinked by selfish politicians only to end in prison. If you’re naive enough to blindly follow your leaders’ instructions without using your own judgment, and you end up on the wrong side of the law, don’t expect me to sympathize with your parents’ tears,” Balaam warned.
According to the Minister, referencing last year’s President Pardon of some NUP supporters he said he wouldn’t dare seeking another pardon for recently detained NUP supporters, suggesting.
“Last time, when parents appealed to me, I intervened and the president pardoned their children who had pleaded guilty. However, some of those pardoned made false claims that they were coerced into pleading guilty, instead of expressing gratitude. Given this experience, I’m not willing to go through the same situation again,” Balaam stated.
Barugahara also recommended that youths interested in military drills consider the Kyankwanzi government training school, which offers the training free of charge.
“The National Leadership Institute at Kyankwanzi is open to all Ugandans, not just NRM members. Let them go and participate in the drills, but they must remember that no one is above the law – not even the president or his son,” Balaam emphasized.
The opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) has accused security agencies of selectively targeting its supporters and leaders, alleging that these actions are a thinly veiled attempt to intimidate and silence the party ahead of the 2026 general elections.