Ogwang Urges Youth to Embrace Tolerance, Patience, and Wealth Creation

The Minister of State for Sports, Peter Ogwang, has called upon student leaders to cultivate tolerance, patience, and a proactive mindset as essential traits for personal success and national development.

Ogwang made these remarks during a discourse on leadership and opportunity at Nkumba University, where over 700 student leaders are attending a two-week patriotism training programme organised by the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC) in partnership with State House.

Ogwang underscored the significance of tolerance in fostering inclusivity and understanding, noting that it is crucial for building harmonious and productive communities.

"As leaders, tolerance is key to achieving your goals and making a positive impact," he said.

The minister also expressed concern over the growing dependency on government interventions among the youth, urging them to adopt a mindset of self-reliance.

He shared personal anecdotes about his difficult upbringing, emphasizing that his journey to success was shaped by patience, persistence, and hard work.

“Today, young people lack the patience and persistence needed to overcome challenges. If I didn’t have patience, do you think I would be where I am today? I grew up facing numerous difficulties. I could have chosen a wrong path, but instead, I worked hard to make a difference,” Ogwang stated.

He advised the youth to view government primarily as a facilitator for development through infrastructure and investment, rather than a direct provider of individual needs.

“The government’s role is to create a conducive environment for investment and infrastructure development, not to solve every personal problem. Young people must think outside the box,” he added.

Ogwang also recounted his humble beginnings, revealing that he once worked as a fish vendor and taxi conductor to pay for his education.

He used his story to inspire student leaders to take responsibility for their futures and embrace government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), which aims to uplift households into the money economy.

“Stop expecting the government to provide everything. I came from a poor background, but I found ways to survive. I ask you, where was my Member of Parliament when I was struggling? We must stop blaming the government and instead take responsibility,” Ogwang urged.

He encouraged the youth to mobilize their communities and take advantage of wealth creation programs. “Are you aware that 30% of PDM funds are allocated to youth initiatives? How many of you have taken the initiative to get involved? You criticize the government while benefiting from its infrastructure—how else did you reach Nkumba?”

Ogwang cited President Museveni’s youthful efforts in mobilizing his community to adopt modern ways of living as an example of proactive leadership.

“President Museveni was once a young man like you. He didn’t wait for government support but mobilized his people to transform their livelihoods. That is what leadership means—getting out of your comfort zone to make a difference,” Ogwang said.

The patriotism training program, which commenced on January 3, 2025, is aimed at equipping student leaders with leadership skills, civic knowledge, and a sense of national pride.

Commissioner Hellen Seku, who heads the NSPC, noted that the program focuses on instilling values of civic responsibility and patriotism in young leaders to prepare them for future roles in nation-building.

The training will officially be closed on January 17, 2025, by President Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni, who also serves as the Minister of Education.