BY DANIEL MUMBYA: The Uganda Youth Umbrella (UYU) has endorsed retired General Salim Saleh to contest for President of Uganda in the 2031–2036 term. The endorsement was announced on Monday during the official launch of the youth umbrella organisation, with its chairperson, Wagubi David Kato, saying the group believes Gen. Saleh represents experience, stability and national unity.
Wagubi said the endorsement was based on what the organisation described as Saleh’s contribution to leadership, peace, economic empowerment, youth development and national unity. “General Salim Saleh is not just a retired General of the UPDF. He is a freedom fighter who contributed to the liberation of this country and later transformed himself into a champion of economic liberation,” Wagubi said.
He cited Saleh’s association with Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), youth skilling and economic empowerment programmes, saying these initiatives had helped young people engage in agribusiness, innovation and small-scale manufacturing.
According to UYU, Saleh’s experience and involvement in wealth creation initiatives make him a potential link between the older generation of leaders and Uganda’s youth.
The organisation also said Uganda needs a leader capable of bringing together people across political, ethnic and regional lines, describing Saleh as a calm and inclusive leader. Wagubi said the endorsement was not only about politics but also about economic transformation, particularly job creation and youth empowerment.
UYU called on young Ugandans, including boda boda riders, farmers, students and entrepreneurs, to support what it described as a vision for Uganda’s future beyond 2026. The organisation said it would begin mobilising young people across the country to support Gen. Saleh’s political ambitions.
Meanwhile, UYU National Women Affairs representative Tibikoma Amina called on women to join the organisation, saying their participation would promote peace, liberty and greater involvement of women in elections, sports and property ownership. The endorsement comes ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections and looks towards the subsequent 2031 presidential contest.