Uganda to host 9th Commonwealth youth ministers meeting

PICTURE: The minister of state for youth and children affairs, Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi (left) and Director, youth division, common wealth secretariat London, Katherine Ellis (right) speak during a press briefing about forthcoming 9th Commonwealth Youth Ministers meeting at the ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development Kampala on 22 July 2016. Photo/Ronnie Kijjambu

For the first time, Uganda is going to host the 9th Common Wealth Youth Ministers meeting July next year.

The five-days meeting expected to bring about 500 guests including 54 youth minsters from Commonwealth member states, youth leaders, senior government officials and observers will take place at Resort Beach Munyonyo.

This was revealed by the minister of state for youth and children affairs, Florence Nakiwala during a press briefing held at the minister's office on Friday.

Nakiwala said among other benefits, the meeting will promote tourism in the country, strengthen the country's ties with common wealth member countries, and an avenue for foreign currency flow.

It will also provide an opportunity to showcase the country's potential at the global level.

She explained that there will be several meetings with the youth at Makerere University, Uganda Martyrs Namugongo and Munyonyo and then showcasing of arts and crafts products at Munyonyo made by the youth.

To kick off arrangements for the event, a team from the common wealth secretariat London has been in Uganda for some days among other things to inspect proposed venues.

Director, youth division, commonwealth secretariat London, Katherine Ellis, said the meeting is aimed at sharing good experiences among member countries, discuss youth programming and their role in development, form bilateral relations, democracy among others.

She applauded the government of Uganda for its efforts to ensure that youth have better lives.

"There are many countries which lack structures that focus on youth especially when it comes to decision making. Uganda is a model country, apart from having youth members of parliament and youth ministers, there are structures in place to uplift youth, this is very good," she said.