Janet Museveni Advocates for Deeper Parent-Child Conversations to Foster Future Leaders

First Lady Janet Museveni is calling on parents across Uganda to prioritize conversations with their children, stressing that strong family bonds are essential for nurturing responsible future leaders. Speaking through Ntungamo Woman MP Viola Namanya at a regional youth dialogue in Ntungamo, Ms. Museveni highlighted a growing generational divide attributed to parents’ lack of understanding of their children’s aspirations.

“Every young person should be encouraged to believe in themselves. They also need to be proud of their identity as Ugandans and live their destinies as that of their country Uganda,” Ms. Museveni stated. She urged parents to establish homes as the primary centers for imparting values, faith, love, discipline, and responsible conduct.

“As parents, let’s make time with our children, let’s speak with them, listen to them, know their friends, know their struggles and aspirations,” she implored.

The First Lady also directed political and district leaders to champion programs that bolster families, advance education, and create productive avenues for young people. Teachers were encouraged to extend their roles beyond academics to become mentors and role models, ensuring schools remain secure environments.

The dialogue, which included MPs, religious leaders, artists, and student representatives, also saw Ntungamo Municipality MP Gerald Karuhanga advocating for increased youth involvement in such discussions. He argued that direct participation from young people is crucial for their concerns to be accurately represented and addressed.

Participants also voiced concerns regarding the influence of media and social platforms on youth, with calls for stricter regulation and enhanced parental oversight. The need for greater intergenerational understanding was a recurring theme, seen as vital for guiding young Ugandans through complex social and cultural landscapes.