By Our Reporter
A powerful message delivered in 1968 by Uganda’s former President Dr. Milton Obote has recently resurfaced and is winning renewed admiration among Ugandans.
In his statement, Obote said, “The past belongs to our grandfathers, the present belongs to the adults of today, but in the future, which is of the greatest importance to our country, belongs to the youth.”
This message, though spoken over five decades ago, is strikingly relevant today. It reflects a timeless truth about national development and the central role of young people in shaping a country’s destiny.
Uganda, with over 75% of its population under the age of 30, remains one of the youngest nations in the world.
Yet, despite this demographic advantage, many young Ugandans continue to struggle with unemployment, limited access to education, and exclusion from political decision-making.
Milton Obote’s statement is now being revisited as a rallying call to invest more seriously in youth empowerment.
Political analysts and educators say the quote should serve as a national reminder to prioritize youth development in education, innovation, and governance.
Some Ugandan leaders have even cited the quote in recent debates on constitutional reforms and job creation strategies.
Social media users, especially the youth, have embraced the message. Hashtags like #YouthAreTheFuture and #OboteWasRight have begun trending, sparking online conversations about how to reclaim youth voices in leadership and economic development.
While Dr. Obote remains a controversial figure in Uganda’s history, his 1968 words have transcended politics and ideology. Today, they offer a vision of a nation that cannot ignore its youth if it hopes to build a better future.
Ugandans are listening—and many agree: the future belongs to the youth, and the time to empower them is now.