Uganda Youth Day: Government Urges Young People to Seize Opportunities, Combat Poverty

Uganda recently joined the world in observing International Youth Day, with national celebrations focusing on “Empowering Young People for Inclusive Growth.” The event, held virtually from the Vice President’s office in Kampala, saw Vice President Jessica Alupo, representing President Museveni, urging the nation’s youth to actively pursue economic opportunities and reject poverty and corruption.

Alupo highlighted the government’s significant investments in infrastructure and market expansion, stating that these developments provide young Ugandans with ample reasons to overcome poverty. She further noted that the ruling NRM government has systematically addressed historical development challenges, aligning with their current “No More Sleep” agenda.

During the commemoration, Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Gen Henry Tumukunde, stressed the importance of reflecting on youth-focused investments and ensuring that the demographic receives adequate attention and resources. The Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Dr Mercy Lakisa, acknowledged the various empowerment initiatives rolled out by the government but questioned the effectiveness of their uptake by the youth, citing programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM).

Representing student voices, Sheillah Ainembabazi, President of the Uganda National Students Association (UNSA), shared plans for mindset-change training for youth leaders at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi, aimed at fostering innovation and job creation. However, youth leaders like Hon Jonathan Tayebwa raised concerns about the tangible impact of government programs such as the PDM and the Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP), suggesting a need for better coordination under a unified framework to maximize their effectiveness.

Youth representatives concluded the day with a call for increased investment in the youth, improved utilization of government resources, and streamlined coordination of implementing agencies to ensure tangible benefits for the young population.