Minister Barugahara launches national youth wakeup campaign

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The Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara, has urged young people in the Ankole region to spend more of their time engaging in meaningful and productive activities.

Barugahara, who also serves as chairman of PLU, said that doing so would not only help young people prosper but also address the widespread challenges of unemployment and poverty among the youth.

He made the remarks while addressing thousands of young people from Kashari North Constituency during the launch of the National Youth Wakeup rallies.

The minister of state for youth and children affairs, Balaam Barugahara, hugs one of the locals at the rally. (Photo by Abdulkarim Ssengendo)

The programme, which seeks to mobilise and empower youth with knowledge on how to lift themselves out of poverty, was launched on Saturday at Rubindi Town Council playground in Kashari North, Mbarara district, in the Ankole sub-region.

“I’m in Ankole to commission the national wake-up call for the youth. The youth are sleeping. Most of them are comfortable thinking the government will put money in their pockets. Government has sent money for youth empowerment. In my ministry, I also have a Youth Livelihood Fund for them to borrow. I encourage them to embrace these programmes and develop themselves,” he stated.

The event attracted leaders and other stakeholders from various parts of Ankole and beyond. Barugahare discouraged youth from spending time on activities that endanger their lives, such as alcoholism, gambling, and chasing quick money.

He also warned them against early sexual behaviour, which he said poses a significant risk to their well-being.

The minister delivered a donation comprising 10 sewing machines, 10 popcorn machines, and five boda bodas to be distributed among organised youth groups in the five sub-counties of Kashari North. He said the donation was a contribution from the NRM government, aimed at enabling young people to start self-help projects and escape poverty.

Barugahara also encouraged the youth to rally behind President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and support all NRM candidates in the 2026 general elections, as well as government programmes.

“I’m here to tell you that the government has many programmes aimed at uplifting you to get out of poverty. I encourage you to embrace all government programmes like PDM,” the minister stated.

He also pledged to provide each parish in the constituency with two sets of sports uniforms.

Kashari North Member of Parliament Bazil Bataringaya Rwankwene, who organised the youth summit, advised young people to take advantage of the available land and invest in agriculture.

He also cautioned them against being misled by unproductive leaders, urging them to support those who are committed to service delivery.

Dr Sylvia Tumuheirwe Alinaitwe from the National Water and Sewerage Corporation encouraged youth to embrace unity and hard work in order to bring development at personal, family, and national levels.

The minister of state for youth and children affairs, Balaam Barugahara, donated sewing machines to youth groups in Kashari North County. (Photo by Abdulkarim Ssengendo)

Mbarara district chairman Didas Tabaro also urged the youth to support leaders who will deliver services and advised against engaging in violence.

Swaib Igga, LC1 chairman of Rubindi cell, thanked the NRM government for the development programmes implemented in the area, but called for further efforts to tackle youth unemployment.

The event featured performances by popular musicians such as Bebe Cool, Chameleon, Eddy Kenzo, Gravity Omutujju, Omega 256, Truth 256, and Tindatiine, among others. Addressing the youth, Bebe Cool encouraged them to start small and grow steadily, reminding them that all successful Ugandan artists started from humble beginnings.

“I want to say that there is no good country in this world like Uganda. President Museveni brought peace to this country. All big artists, including Bebe Cool, Chameleon, Bobi Wine, and Eagles Production have used this peace through our talents and we have become rich people. I therefore challenge all the youths in this area and other parts of the country to exploit your talents and all the available resources. Start small and grow and get rich,” he stated.