Youth leaders challenged to champion govt programmes

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Youth leaders have been urged to stop relying on limited public service jobs and non-existent handouts, and instead embrace vocational skills and government wealth creation programmes.

Outgoing minister for general duties in the Office of the Prime Minister, Justin Kasule Lumumba, made the remarks while officiating at the swearing-in ceremony of the new National Youth Council (NYC) executive committee leadership at Hotel Africana in Kampala.

Lumumba encouraged the newly elected leaders to prioritise knowledge and evidence-based leadership, saying young people deserve leaders who can engage constructively using facts and data.

“Youths deserve leaders who argue with facts and data and build consensus,” she said.

She further reminded the leaders that their positions are an opportunity to serve communities and promote accountability at all levels.

“You have all come into leadership because you want to serve. As leaders, be accountable. Divide yourselves and go back to your districts, parishes and villages,” Lumumba advised.

She also reminded the youth leaders that they are role models whose conduct should inspire fellow young people across the country.

“You, as executives at the national level, should inculcate discipline and responsibility among the people you lead up to the village level,” she added.

The event, organised by the National Secretariat for Special Interest Groups under the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD), attracted more than 30 youth leaders and government officials.

During the ceremony, the newly elected NYC leaders were tasked with mobilising and sensitising young people to embrace government programmes aimed at fighting poverty and improving livelihoods.

Lumumba urged the leaders to become a vital link between the government and the youth.

She challenged them to analyse government policies and identify ways in which young people can directly benefit from initiatives targeting economic empowerment.

“So when it is prosperity for all, sit down and analyse the policies related to prosperity for all and identify what can benefit your constituency, the youths,” she said.

Lumumba also encouraged the leaders to promote government-backed financial initiatives such as the Generating Growth Opportunities and Productivity for Women Enterprises (GROW) project.

Speaking at the same event, Aggrey Kibenge, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, urged the youth leaders to maintain discipline and build strong professional networks.

“You must have certain contacts on your speed dial so that whenever you find yourself stuck on a matter, there is somebody you can call for guidance,” Kibenge said.

He noted that such contacts should include both government officials and other influential individuals who can support the leaders in executing their duties effectively.

Meanwhile, Harriet Nalukwago, the registrar at the Supreme Court, reminded the newly sworn-in leaders that taking the oath of office signifies a commitment to prioritising public duty over personal interests.

“This swearing in is an assurance to members of the public that you will prioritise duty over personal interests,” she said.

The National Youth Council was established by an Act of Parliament and is mandated to organise, unify and engage Ugandan youth aged between 18 and 30 years.