NRM youths ask old guards to stop stealing from taxpayers

A section of NRM youths under their umbrella body, the 'Gen Z for Gen 7’ led by one Israel Kyarisiima pose for a group photo after speaking to journalists at Kololo ceremonial grounds on January 24, 2025. Photo/ Busein Samilu
What you need to know:
- When a group of youth and other human rights activists last July tried to march to parliament demanding for the resignation of Speaker Anita Among whom they accused of corruption and presiding over a “House of deals”, they were met with teargas and arrests.
As the National Resistance Movement (NRM) prepares to celebrate 39 years in power, a section of youthful members of the party have asked the corrupt officials in government to stop stealing from taxpayers because their actions are hurting the country’s economy and depriving them of their future.
While officially unveiling their group dubbed 'Gen Z for Gen 7,’ to journalists in Kampala on Friday, the youths donning NRM party colours led by one Israel Kyarisiima said that corruption through which the IGG says Uganda loses Shs10 trillion annually must be fought with an iron hand.
“It is upon us to take up this mantle of fighting corruption and I want to take this opportunity to rally all Gen Zs on the February 10 to join us to show how dissatisfied we are with the corrupt officials who are ruining our country because they are ruining our future,” he said.
According to him, corruption has cost the party led by President Museveni since 1986 support.
“As the torchbearers of this legacy, it is our duty to ensure that our nation thrives on the foundation of integrity and justice. Together, let us stand firm against corruption and commit to building a Uganda that truly reflects the aspirations of as the people,” he said.
His remarks come barely two days to the January 26 NRA/M liberation day celebrations organized by the party to mark its 39th anniversary in power.
Mr Museveni, 80, who came to power following a five-year guerilla warfare has over the years publicly condemned the vice which has crippled service delivery but critics say he’s equally to blame for allegedly shielding senior corrupt officials in his party and presiding over a “government of thieves.”
Last year, a number of government officials, including MPs and members of Mr Museveni’s cabinet were arrested and arraigned in courts of law over corruption but were all set free.
When a group of youth and other human rights activists last July tried to march to parliament demanding for the resignation of Speaker Anita Among whom they accused of corruption and presiding over a “House of deals”, they were met with teargas and arrests. President Museveni later lauded the military and police for crushing the protectors whom he described agents of imperialists.

The founder and leader of 'Gen Z for Gen 7’, Israel Kyarisiima speaking to journalists at Kololo ceremonial grounds on January 24, 2025. Photo/Busein Samilu
“We call upon Gen Zs to embrace CDF Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba's message to fight corruption as a pivotal step in upholding the values of accountability and transparency that are vital to national development. Corruption undermines the legacy of sacrifice, unity, and progress built by the NRM,” Mr Kyarisiima said.
Adding, “From the bush to the ballot, Generation 7 has paved the way for Uganda's steady progress. Now, it is our turn as Gen Z to honor their legacy by committing ourselves to securing the gains of liberation and shaping a brighter, more prosperous future.”
Gen Zs, he said are fully ready to support President Museveni's candidature in 2026 when he’s expected to seek reelection.
“He has consistently proven to be a leader with Uganda and its people at heart, embodying the values and aspirations of our generation. His leadership and vision have set the foundation for peace, stability, and progress in Uganda, making him the best person to continue leading us into the future,” he added.
[email protected]