The Chief Political Commissar of the Uganda People's Defence Forces, Major General Henry Masiko, has called on young people in Ndorwa County West to prioritise ideological awareness as the foundation of effective leadership, warning that leaders without clear direction risk misleading those they lead.
Masiko made the remarks while speaking as chief guest at the first Annual Ndorwa County West Mentorship Forum, held at Janani Luwum Secondary School in Kamuganguzi.
The forum was organised under the theme, “The role of military leaders in mentoring a focused and vibrant young generation that can protect and add value to the socio-economic and political gains in Uganda.”
Addressing parish-level Youth League and Youth Council chairpersons, alongside student leaders from secondary schools and technical institutions across the county, Masiko stressed that leadership should be shaped by ideology rather than biological or family ties.
He urged young people to value clarity of thought and purpose, noting that effective leaders are defined by their ability to solve problems rather than create them.
He cautioned that leaders who lack ideological grounding often leave their followers confused and directionless, undermining both personal growth and national development.
The forum was organised by Eliab Naturinda Mporera, the Member of Parliament–Elect for Ndorwa County West, who said the meeting was intended to deepen ideological awareness among young leaders while equipping them with practical skills in leadership, discipline and critical thinking.
“Mentorship is essential in preparing responsible, focused youth who can contribute meaningfully to community development and national growth,” Naturinda said.
Presidential Advisor on Youth Affairs Brenda Kiconco encouraged young people to engage confidently with leaders and take initiative in shaping their own development. She urged them to start small but remain consistent in pursuing leadership and community goals.
“Begin with small steps and grow steadily, take advantage of having Eliab Mporera as your area representative,” Kiconco said.
She also challenged the youth to approach leaders with practical proposals and ideas, rather than waiting to be invited to social functions, arguing that proactive engagement is key to meaningful participation in governance and development.
The forum concluded with a joint call for sustained collaboration between leaders and young people to strengthen ideological awareness, build leadership capacity and increase youth involvement in safeguarding Uganda’s socio-economic and political achievements.
