Emulate Historical Leaders for Uganda’s Growth, M7 tells youth
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on the youth in Uganda to draw inspiration from the nation’s historical figures in their contributions to the country’s development. He made these remarks at the memorial lecture for the late Eriya Kategaya, former First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs, at the Kololo Independence Grounds.
During his address, Museveni praised Kategaya as a strategic thinker and principled leader who played a significant role in Uganda’s liberation struggles. He emphasized the importance of having clear aims and effective work methods for emerging political actors urging them to be principled in their pursuits to make a tangible impact on the nation.
Reflecting on their long-standing relationship, President Museveni recalled Kategaya’s contributions to the revival of the East African Community and the significance of their collaboration over the last 70 years. He highlighted the importance of working with like-minded political actors who share a vision for Uganda’s progress mentioning historical alliances with former leaders such as Milton Obote and Yusuf Kironde Lule during the 1980s.
”I met Eriya Kategaya 73 years ago, in 1952 when my parents enrolled me in a girls’ school during the second term. As one of only three boys in the school, I connected with Kategaya, who became a key figure in modern education and political activism against Amin’s regime. He stressed that everyone’s contributions were vital and he supported my underground efforts by offering his home in Mulago. Kategaya was a principled leader and despite our disagreements, we had honest discussions particularly after the elections. I suggested he rejoin me to collaborate on shared initiatives like the East African Federation,” Museveni remarked.
Museveni’s remarks serve as a reminder of the foundational values necessary for political engagement and national development encouraging the younger generation to honor the legacy of leaders like Kategaya through active participation in the nation’s progress.
Eriya Tukahirwa Kategaya was a prominent Ugandan politician and lawyer known for his significant contributions to the country’s political landscape. Born in 1945, he served in various capacities, including as a member of parliament. Kategaya played a crucial role in the post-colonial era of Uganda, advocating for democracy and good governance. He was also instrumental during the National Resistance Movement and served as a minister in multiple capacities including, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs. His legacy, marked by his commitment to public service and efforts to foster national unity in Uganda ended on March 2,2013, when he passed away in Nairobi where he had been hospitalised.
