The Uganda Youth Umbrella has endorsed retired General Salim Saleh as its preferred candidate for the presidency of Uganda for the 2031–2036 term, citing his long experience in national leadership, involvement in economic empowerment programmes and what the organisation describes as his contribution to national unity.
The endorsement was announced during the official launch of the Uganda Youth Umbrella, where leaders of the organisation outlined plans to mobilise young people across the country around what they described as Gen. Saleh’s vision for Uganda beyond the 2026 general elections.
According to the youth organisation, Saleh’s record in leadership, peace-building, economic empowerment and youth development makes him a figure capable of connecting different generations of Ugandans.
The organisation described Saleh as a former freedom fighter who participated in Uganda’s liberation struggle before becoming involved in various programmes focused on economic transformation and wealth creation.
Among the initiatives highlighted by the group was Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), which it associated with efforts to encourage Ugandans to participate in agriculture, agribusiness and other income-generating activities.
The Uganda Youth Umbrella said it believes programmes linked to wealth creation have provided opportunities for young people to participate in economic activities, including agriculture, innovation, entrepreneurship and small-scale manufacturing.
The organisation further argued that Saleh’s engagement with young people has gone beyond political speeches, pointing to activities and programmes in Gulu and other parts of the country where he has interacted with young Ugandans involved in various economic ventures.
According to the group, such engagements have contributed to its decision to support his proposed political future.
The youth organisation also portrayed Saleh as a potential figure for national unity, arguing that Uganda requires leadership that can bring together citizens from different regions, tribes and political backgrounds.
It said Saleh’s experience in the liberation struggle, combined with his subsequent involvement in economic programmes, gives him an understanding of Uganda’s political history as well as some of the economic challenges confronting the country’s young population.
The group said its position is based not only on political considerations but also on economic concerns, particularly the need to create employment and expand opportunities for young Ugandans.
It identified wealth creation, industrial development, agricultural production and village-level economic initiatives among the areas it believes could receive greater attention under a future administration associated with Saleh.
The Uganda Youth Umbrella has subsequently called on young people from different sections of society, including farmers, boda boda riders, students, entrepreneurs and other youth groups, to consider joining the mobilisation effort.
The organisation said the endorsement is intended to mark the beginning of a wider nationwide campaign aimed at building support among young people ahead of the 2031 elections.
It described the initiative as a movement focused on what it calls Uganda’s future beyond the 2026 elections, using the slogan, “Building Uganda’s Future, For the People, For the Nation.”
The endorsement places Saleh’s name in an emerging conversation about Uganda’s political leadership beyond 2026, although the 2031 presidential election remains several years away.
The announcement also comes at a time when political groups and civic organisations are beginning to position themselves around competing ideas about Uganda’s future leadership, economic development and the role of young people in national politics.
