Laughter rippled through a gathering of regional leaders after Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni humorously recounted a recent encounter with Kenyan Gen Z activists he claimed had travelled to Uganda offering “technical support” on how to organise riots.
The Ugandan president shared the story while addressing dignitaries during the East African Community summit held in Arusha, Tanzania on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Museveni’s detailed narration drew bursts of laughter from the audience as he described how the young demonstrators allegedly approached him claiming expertise in organising protests.
“Recently I met some Gen Zs from Kenya. They came to Uganda saying they are experts in organising riots and that they had come to give technical support to the Ugandan Gen Zs on how to riot,” Museveni told the gathering.
According to the veteran leader, some Ugandans had urged the young activists to first seek an audience with him before attempting any demonstrations.
“But some amongst the Ugandans said, ‘Why don’t you go and see that old man?’ So these children came — one from Uganda and another from Kenya. They said, ‘We are experts in riots.’ I said, ‘Okay, I can join you, but what are we rioting for?’” Museveni recounted, drawing laughter from the crowd.
He said the youths cited corruption as the main reason for protests, but he challenged them to consider broader economic and structural issues affecting the region.
“They said corruption. I said even if there was no corruption, if you don’t address structural issues like small markets, how will the economy expand? Why don’t you talk about East African issues?” he said.
In a moment that left the hall roaring with laughter, Museveni concluded his story by saying he alerted William Ruto about the Kenyan youths.
“I told his Excellency, I am here with your Gen Z. I gave them some transport and they went back,” he joked.
The remarks came during the regional summit where Museveni officially took over the chairmanship of the East African Community, succeeding President Ruto, who had completed his one-year term at the helm of the bloc.
The leadership of the EAC rotates among member states, allowing each country an opportunity to guide the regional organisation’s agenda and development priorities.