President Yoweri Museveni has called upon parents in the country to be supportive of their children so that they enable them to develop their talents.
Mr Museveni hailed his daughter Natasha for doing a good job of telling the story of liberation struggle in a movie.
He called upon the UPDF Generals that were involved in the protracted armed people’s struggle, to help the youth in the next version of the movie to improve the story.
The President made the remarks at the Premier of 27 Guns film held last evening at Cinema Magic, Metroplex Mall in Naalya, Wakiso District where he was accompanied by 1st Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni.
“My advice to parents is do not force children to do what they do not want to do. In order to get them to develop their talents, ask them what they want not what you want and support them. Do not put them in envelopes,” he said.
The President revealed that he has always been supportive of his children in whatever they want to do with their lives. He said that unlike him, his children are not interested in politics and have chosen different career paths to which he is supportive.
The President said that it was after reading the new version of the Mustard Seed book the he authored that his daughter, Natasha Museveni Karugire, Producer of 27 Guns, picked interest.
“This confirmed my philosophy on children to let them do what they want and in the end they will come out well,” he said.
On a lighter note, the President revealed that he has not been to a cinema since 1971 having last gone to Odeon place for a cinema along Makerere Road.
Speaking before the Premier show of the movie, Natasha said it was time for Africans to remove the clamps on their mouths and tell their own stories through music, literature and fashion among others.
“Our heritage does not have to be validated by foreigners,” she said.
She thanked her parents and family members for the support that has made the movie a success.
27 Guns is a biopic based on events of Uganda’s liberation struggle that was led by her father President Museveni.
On February 6th 1981 a small group of fighters, armed with 27 guns and pistols, attacked Kabamba Military Barracks in Mubende District, launching an armed struggle against the 2nd Government of late Apollo Milton Obote.
The President’s other daughter, Dianna Museveni Kamuntu plays the role of their mother, Mrs. Janet Museveni, while Actor Arnold Mubangizi plays the character of a youthful Museveni.
NRM Vice-Chairman, Hajji Moses Kigongo, General Jim Muhweezi, General Proscovia Nalweyiso, Patience Museveni Rwabwogo and Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, Maj. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, attended the premier.