President Museveni Hosts Spanish Student Volunteers at State House Entebbe

The students, part of their fourth annual volunteering program, collaborated with local organizations to support vulnerable communities through infrastructure development, water access initiatives, and household visits, according to the President’s office and the Kelim Foundation.

The Spanish volunteers, who arrived in Uganda for their annual mission, spent several weeks working on projects aimed at improving education, sanitation, and social welfare in Gomba District. Their efforts included constructing school facilities, establishing clean water access points, and conducting outreach to households in need. The program, coordinated locally by the Kelim Foundation, received support from President Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni, who have historically endorsed youth-led development initiatives.

Addressing the volunteers, President Museveni emphasized the government’s vision to transition Uganda from a “pre-capitalist society” to a “modern money economy,” where citizens produce goods not only for household consumption but also for commercial markets. “The Government is working around the clock to transform Uganda from a pre-capitalist society to a money economy where people produce not only for the stomach but also for sale so that they earn money,” he stated. He highlighted Gomba District as a model for this transformation, citing its growing number of commercial farmers as evidence of the government’s wealth creation programs yielding tangible results.

The President also addressed Uganda’s regional stability, attributing it to the nation’s focus on “the politics of interest over the politics of identity.” He argued that prioritizing national unity and shared economic goals has enabled Uganda to maintain peace despite conflicts in neighboring countries. “Patriotism means loving Uganda because you need it for your own prosperity. Pan-Africanism means loving Africa because our internal market alone is not enough for our development,” he said. He further noted that this ideology has strengthened national institutions, including a security force that recruits based on merit rather than tribal affiliation.

When asked about advice for young people, President Museveni urged discipline, family stability, and religious faith. “As young people, avoid alcoholism, avoid womanising, get a family, be disciplined, and if you believe in God, it is an added advantage,” he advised.

Dr. Harris Kirumira Kalule, director of the Kelim Foundation, praised the volunteers’ contributions, stating that their work had “made a meaningful contribution to community development.” He credited the President and First Lady for facilitating the program’s success, particularly through logistical support such as transportation and security. Lady Carmen Sillero, a representative of the Spanish delegation, expressed gratitude for the Ugandan government’s assistance, which she said enabled the volunteers to reach remote areas. “We are optimistic that the partnership between the Spanish volunteers and Uganda will continue to grow in the years ahead,” she said.

The event also highlighted the intersection of grassroots initiatives and state support, as seen in the collaboration between the Kelim Foundation and the President’s office.