Museveni to preside over Afro-Arab Youth Congress closure

KAMPALA - Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni is expected to preside over the official closing ceremony of the Afro-Arab Youth Congress (AAYC) 2025 today, October 10, 2025, marking the grand finale of a vibrant four-day gathering that has celebrated peace, unity, and youth-driven prosperity at the Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala city.

Uganda came alive with colour, energy, and unity as hundreds of youth delegates from across Africa and the Arab world convened under the theme “Amplifying the Voices of Peace, Unity, and Prosperity.”

The landmark event was officially opened earlier in the week by the Third Deputy Prime Minister Lukia Nakadama, who represented President Museveni. In her keynote address, Nakadama commended the Afro-Arab Youth Council for fostering dialogue, co-operation and solidarity among young people from both regions.

She urged delegates to champion peace, innovation, and entrepreneurship as key drivers of sustainable development.

“This Congress renews the historic Afro-Arab spirit of solidarity,” she said. “It provides a platform for young leaders to know each other, harmonise their visions, and build a shared future for Africa and the Arab world.”

The opening ceremony drew several high-profile dignitaries, including former Vice-President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, gender minister Betty Amongi, youth and children affairs state minister Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, and foreign affairs state minister Diana Mutasingwa.

Barugahara thanked President Museveni for his unwavering support for youth empowerment programmes. He announced that the Government of Uganda had donated 50 acres of land in Nkoowe, Wakiso district, to establish a Centre of Excellence for Afro-Arab Youth Co-operation.

“This is a landmark step,” he said. “It demonstrates Uganda’s deep commitment to youth-led innovation, leadership development, and intercultural cooperation.”
Barugahara said over 74% of Uganda’s population is under 35, emphasising the government’s focus on harnessing this demographic dividend through ICT, start-ups, and entrepreneurship.

Amongi reaffirmed that the youth remain central to Uganda’s transformation agenda, citing initiatives such as the Youth Livelihood Programme, the Youth Venture Programme, and the Parish Development Model, all aimed at promoting economic and social empowerment.

“In Uganda, youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are the leaders of today,” she said. “They are the energy driving our national development.”

She also shared President Museveni’s guiding principles of coexistence, tolerance, continental cooperation, and non-alignment, urging the youth to uphold Pan-Africanism and patriotism in their leadership journeys.

The Rwandan delegation inspired participants with their story of national rebirth, reflecting on Rwanda’s transformation from the 1994 genocide to a peaceful, innovative nation under President Paul Kagame’s leadership.

“Our youth are the architects of our present and future,” said one delegate.

“When empowered, they become a force for innovation, peace, and sustainable development.”

Running from October 7-10, the congress brought together youth leaders, policymakers and innovators from across Africa and the Arab world to strengthen cooperation, share experiences, and inspire collective action for peace and prosperity.

The four-day event concludes today with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as the Chief Guest at the grand closing ceremony.