Shaban Kachemete, a former Mbale Resident District Commissioner and one of the organizers confirmed the cancellation. He stated that they are awaiting communication from the President regarding new dates for the event.
A tweet by Hadijja Namyalo communicating the postponement of the symposium
The Bugisu Youth Symposium, originally scheduled for September 12, has been postponed following a directive from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The announcement was made via a tweet by Hadija Namyalo, Chief Coordinator at the Office of the National Chairman of the NRM, who has been leading the coordination of the event.
The symposium planned to be held at Mbale Secondary School, aimed to educate Bugisu youths on improving household income and creating wealth. However, the President’s advice has led to the postponement of the meeting.
Shaban Kachemete, a former Mbale Resident District Commissioner and one of the organizers confirmed the cancellation. He stated that they are awaiting communication from the President regarding new dates for the event. Kachameti urged the youths to remain calm and hopeful, anticipating that the President would provide a new date before the end of the year.
Emma Bwayo, the Namisindwa District Youth Councilor, expressed regret over the postponement but noted that it offers an opportunity to prepare more thoroughly and align plans. Bwayo emphasized, “It’s unfortunate that the event has been postponed, but this delay gives us a valuable opportunity to prepare more thoroughly and harmonize our plans.”
He also mentioned, “There are a few important issues that need to be addressed as we await the new schedule, particularly the need for deeper consultations regarding the MEMO. This will ensure that it adds significant value to the entire Bugisu region and aligns with the interests of all stakeholders.”
The postponement comes amid internal disputes among Bugisu youth leaders and organizers, each claiming rightful NRM support to invite the President. These conflicts may have contributed to the decision to reschedule the event.