Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has sparked debate online after comparing today’s youth to his generation, questioning their level of discipline and contribution to nation-building. Speaking during a recent event, the veteran leader remarked, “When I was a Gen Z at 22, I was in the battlefields of Mozambique’s liberation struggle. What are today’s Gen Zs doing on social media all day?”
Museveni’s statement comes at a time when the youth across Africa — particularly the so-called “Gen Z” generation — are increasingly turning to digital platforms to express their frustrations, advocate for change, and discuss social and political issues. However, the President appeared to suggest that activism on social media alone is not enough to bring about real transformation.
Known for his strong opinions, Museveni has often urged young people to focus on productivity, innovation, and hard work rather than spending excessive time online. His latest remarks reignited conversations about generational differences in values, priorities, and approaches to leadership and activism.
Critics, however, argue that Museveni’s comments overlook the evolving nature of modern struggles. Today’s youth, they say, use digital tools as powerful weapons for awareness, organization, and advocacy — the modern-day “battlefields” in the fight for justice, employment, and democracy.
Still, Museveni’s words serve as a reminder of the contrasting experiences between older and younger generations. As Africa’s population continues to grow younger, the challenge remains how to bridge this generational gap — balancing traditional ideals of sacrifice and discipline with the new era of technology-driven progress.
