The new financial year 2023/2024 took effect on July 1. Prior, on Friday evening, young people, youth leaders, members of parliament (MPs), and officials of civil society organizations (CSOs) gathered around the fireplace to discuss the recently passed National Budget 2023/2024.

The dynamic fireplace conversation that took place at Grand Global Hotel in Kampala and was organized by Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Youth Affairs, in collaboration with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Uganda Cares and esteemed partner organizations.

The interactive discussion aimed at advocating for a more youth-centered approach to budget allocation, recognizing the significant projected amount of 52.74 trillion shillings ($13.9 billion) as a substantial opportunity to address the needs and aspirations of young people in Uganda, said Martha Mbabazi Atai who is the Prevention Program and Advocacy Coordinator at AIDS Healthcare Foundation /Uganda Cares

Trevor Emojel who is the Youth Officer AHF Uganda Cares addressing participants at the recent fireplace conversation on Friday.

During the discussion participants analyzed the budget provisions and identified key areas where additional focus and resources are required to ensure the well-being and empowerment of young people in the country.

Trevor Emojel, Youth Officer AHF Uganda Cares highlighted the need to provide free Sanitary Pads for Girls.

"Our fellow youth leaders and Members of Parliament should closely monitor the implementation of the sanitary pads' waiver and advocate for the allocation of funds through the education budget and community development programs.”

Emojel said the main objective is to ensure the accessibility of free sanitary pads to vulnerable girls. Adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities in schools are also crucial to support girls' menstrual hygiene management.

Members of Parliament and officials of Civil Society Organizations during the fireplace dialogue.

Phiona Nyamutoro who is the National Female Youth Member of Parliament advocated for the establishment of youth-friendly corners in healthcare facilities. Nyamutoro also highlighted the need to increase investment in training healthcare workers to deliver quality services tailored to the needs of young people.

“Enforcing sections 78 and 79 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) is essential to guarantee the appropriate allocation of resources and uphold the government's commitment to allocate 15% of the National Budget to healthcare, consequently, addressing gender and equity gaps."

The budget and tax advocate, SEATINI Uganda, Grace Namagembe raised the issue of access to income-generating activities:

 "We recommend ensuring that opportunities for economic empowerment are accessible and available to vulnerable youth by popularizing the Parish Development Model (PDM) and advocating for decentralized funds dedicated to youth programs."

Jacob Eyeru, Chairperson National Youth Council underscored the need for community Mobilization and Mindset Change:

"We express concerns regarding the relatively limited budget allocation for community mobilization and mindset change initiatives. We strongly urge for an increased budget allocation to implement comprehensive programs that effectively address the needs of young people. Encouraging behavioral and attitudinal shifts within communities through targeted interventions is crucial for holistic development."  Eyeru said.