The NRM deputy secretary general, Rt.Hon. Rose Namayanja Nsereko, has challenged the youth to believe in themselves if they are to be successful in the current political environment.
"Don’t mind what other people think about you. It is about your confidence and the potential you have.
So, if you want to be a leader anywhere, it is about confidence and self-esteem," Rt.Hon.Namayanja said, adding, "Before anyone mentors you, it is you to open up those doors."
She was delivering a keynote address to young people on "breaking through barriers" during an inaugural National Symposium for Youth in Politics yesterday at the Mestil hotel in Nsambya.
Regardless of political leanings, there should be something for young people to fight for rather than just sloganeering.
"Strive for bigger positions in leadership to enrich your knowledge and as well extend services to the underserved in communities to win people’s hearts," Namayanja added.
She revealed that some senior leaders may fight to pull you down, especially those from your district or region because they perceive you as a threat to their political survival; you should stand your ground and never be intimidated.
She also urged young leaders to have a goal and strive to attain it. "Teach yourself public speaking, goal setting, and other core attributes of outstanding leadership," Namayanja told the youth.
The two-day symposium was organized by the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) to amplify the voices of young people in pursuit of coordinated, coherent, and effective solutions to the barriers that hamper the effective participation of young people.