Museveni said many Africans die at earlier ages because of the influence of alcohol and they conclude that God has called them yet it is the work of the devil.
While delivering a speech at the International Day for Older Persons in a function held at the State House Entebbe on Thursday, President Yoweri Museveni urged Ugandans to desist from taking any forms of alcohol if they are to live long.
The President said that he has noticed that many Africans die at earlier ages because of the influence of alcohol and they conclude that God has called them yet it is the work of the devil.
He urged them to emulate individuals in the western countries who mind dearly about their health and what they consume, a reason he justified has helped them die at extremely old ages.
‘’I don’t know why people drink alcohol; you are destroying your life for nothing. Africans die early and they say God has called them. Why does God like to call Africans? Japanese die at 79 years but you Africans He calls you too early. I don’t think it is God calling you. I think it is Satan taking our people,’’ Museveni said.
‘’When we say let our people leave long, it is not that we enjoy looking at them, it is because we have to get maximum value from our people.’’
Museveni also, called on elders to form councils to sensitize and educate Ugandans about the dangers of alcohol and how best they can live healthy lives in a bid to eradicate any form of unhealthy behaviours.
He said that they should borrow a leaf from him because he has been doing the same thing since March in holding press conferences to educate and warn Ugandans on how best they can prevent the spread of the ongoing coronavirus.
‘’These health conditions should be part of the Elders Council. The aim when we formed them was advocacy; they can’t solve all these issues. That is how I am saving you from COVID-19, making noise and sensitizing you,’’ he urged.
The NRM government appreciates the precious gift the country has of older persons. We have managed to improve their welfare and increase the life expectancy in Uganda, that is why they started calling me ‘Mzee’ at 30 years.’’
The President however, commended the role played by senior and elder citizens in shaping the future of Uganda. He said that he is glad older persons shall be represented in the 11th Parliament as a special interest group.
According to Museveni this will not only create an environment that ensures all older persons live dignified lives through responsive polices and legislation but it will also improve their welfare.
‘’This is why NRM is a composition of both the young and old. The bible in Job 12:12 highlights this. It is also an African tradition to respect the elderly since they are our guiding posts for the future and bridge for the past. The NRM government has put in place social protection programs which target older persons. For the first time in the history of Uganda, we have a grant for older persons.’’
Meanwhile, the President congratulated all the older persons on this day when Uganda joins the rest world to mark the international day of the older persons. He emphasized that the observance of this day is an opportunity for government and the private sector to reflect on the challenges older persons continue to face.
