Minister Nyamutoro urges youth leaders on championing girls, women rights

KAMPALA - Uganda minerals development state minister Phionah Nyamutoro has urged young people to rise into leadership and become champions for gender equality, especially in defending the rights of girls and women.

Nyamutoro, who is also Northern Uganda Youth Member of Parliament, says real change starts with the youth stepping up, whether in politics, their communities or their families.

“If you can't handle elective politics, be a leader in your family or community. Use your voice to advocate for a safer, more equal environment for all children, especially girls,” she says.

Nyamutoro encourages young people to begin their leadership journey by starting conversations at home. She urges them to challenge outdated beliefs and advocate for equal opportunities for girls in education, work, and social spaces.

“Let us create an environment where every child, especially the girl child, can finish school and become a productive citizen,” she adds.

Nyamutoro was on July 29, 2025, speaking at the media launch of the GN Trybe Brave Girl Festival at Reach A Hand Uganda’s headquarters in Kampala.

She challenged the youth to reflect on their own actions and those within their families.

“Isn’t it heartbreaking to be a youth ambassador while your own brother or cousin is responsible for impregnating a teenager or causing someone to drop out of school?” she asked passionately.

According to the minister, such cycles must be broken. She noted that children of teenage mothers are often at risk of repeating the same hardships.

Intentional action and consequences

Nyamutoro reminded the audience that ignoring social responsibilities has real consequences. Citing a quote, she said: “We can dodge responsibility, but we can never escape the consequences.”

She explained that neglecting young girls today can backfire tomorrow when they become part of your social or professional world.

“Today, you may ignore that teenage mother, but tomorrow, your son might be involved with her. Don’t wait for life to teach you what you could have changed today,” she said.
She encouraged young girls to be bold in chasing their dreams, even in male-dominated spaces, and not to wait for validation.

“Even if something has never been done before, be the first to do it,” she said.
Nyamutoro also called on youth to include rural communities in their advocacy, noting that challenges in those areas are just as urgent.

“Uganda is not short of brilliant youth. What’s missing are the right skills, access to information, and the ability to translate formal education into real-world solutions.”
Nyamutoro insisted that the future is not only for the young, but must be shaped by them.

Phionah Nyamutoro (seated second from right), the Minister of State for Minerals and Northern Uganda youth member of parliament with some of the guests at the media launch of the GN Trybe brave girls festival at the Reach A Hand head offices in Kampala on July 29, 2025. (Credit: Lawrence Mulondo)

Humphrey Nabimanya, CEO of Reach A Hand Uganda, highlighted the purpose behind the GN Trybe Brave Girl Festival, which began in 2018.

“It’s a movement started by both male and female artists to shine a light on the struggles girls and women face in Uganda,” he explained.

The festival aims to inspire, empower, and provide platforms for women-led businesses while promoting creative expression. It is slated to take place in Nebbi District in September and Kampala in October 2025, in partnership with the Miss Uganda Foundation.

Nabimanya praised Minister Nyamutoro for consistently standing up for youth and gender issues.

“She has become the voice for the voiceless, not only in West Nile but across Uganda and Africa,” he said.

He also emphasised the importance of male involvement in the gender equality movement.

“It’s a movement bringing men to the forefront as ambassadors for change.”

Girls encouraged to be bold and brave

Miss Uganda 2024–2025, Natasha Nyonyozi, shared her personal journey of overcoming self-doubt and societal pressure. She urged girls to embrace their unique qualities and boldly chase their dreams.

“I was told I was too tiny, but I loved my body. I ignored the negative voices and pursued pageantry with confidence, and I won,” she said.

Nyonyozi stressed the power of self-love and courage, reminding girls that perceived flaws are often invisible to others.

“If something is meant for you, it will find you. Don’t let insecurity hold you back.”

STEM investment for girls

Engineer Lateefa Shibah Tusubiira, from Kiira Motors, emphasised the importance of investing in girls from an early age, especially in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.

“A diverse, inclusive workforce is more resilient. When we educate girls in STEM and new technologies, we prepare them to build their communities and impact the nation,” she said.

She called for increased access to STEM education, vocational training, and support systems that empower young women to pursue careers traditionally dominated by men.