First Lady to preside over national youth convention

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First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, is on Tuesday September 24, 2024, expected to preside over this year’s national youth convention.

The 10-day event currently underway at the National Leadership Institute (NALI), Kyankwanzi, has gathered a total of 350 youth in a workshop where patriotism is taking center stage.

During the event, which started on September 17, and is set to close on September 27, Mrs. Museveni is set to give a keynote address which will also be streamed live on YouTube.

Youth at Kyankwanzi. (Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

Other event speakers lined up for the event include, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, Attorney General, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, Supreme Court, judge Mike Chibita, and Mrs Museveni's private secretary, Irene Kauma. Also expected to give talks are UYF chairperson board of directors, Dr James Magara, and UCLF president, Anne Muhairwe.

The event is being organized by the Uganda Christian Lawyers’ Fraternity (UCLF) and Uganda Youth Forum (UYF), where the First Lady is the patron.

Youth at Kyankwanzi. (Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

Addressing a press conference at Kyankwanzi on September 18, 2024, UYF executive director, Leonard Imanishimwe said, the convention participants will engage in a variety of activities, workshops, and discussions aimed at developing their leadership skills, fostering a sense of loyalty, and understanding the importance of staying steadfast in their values and goals.

Leonard Manishimwe, Executive Director, Uganda Youth Forum. (Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

“The 7th Youth Convention is building on the gains of the previous six youth conventions,” he said, adding that the event is being held under the theme: "Cultivating a patriotic Heart for a prosperous nation"

Youth at Kyankwanzi. (Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

According to Sabiti Martin Rwabihurwa, the CEO of Uganda UCLF,  the idea of a National Convention was conceived by the First Lady and was realized through a partnership between UCLF and UYF.

Youth at Kyankwanzi. (Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

"The overall objective of the national youth convention is to empower the youth to lead a healthy, productive life and transform lives in the 21st century, " he said.

Other objectives include, enhancing patriotism and positive mindset change and character development among the youth, strengthening the capacity of youth participation in community service, enhancing a sense of responsibility among the youth, and tackling the adverse effects of the corrosive culture of materialism of get-rich-quick and self-entitlement.