Youth urged to harness technology to solve community challenges
“For instance, you can start up an awareness campaign online about the needs of your communities. Such a project cannot only attract support but can help you reach more numbers,” disclosed Kafeero.
Fred Kafeero (L), the Rotary Club of Mengo president during the Mega Youth Conference at Mengo Senior School in Nakulabye on July 11, 2026. (Credit: Juliet Kasirye)
KAMPALA - Rotarians have advised youth to harness technology in order to solve community challenges.
According to the President of Rotary Club of Mengo, Fred Kafeero, young people have already experienced the benefits of using digital tools and spaces, and should, therefore, use their digital skills to empower vulnerable communities.
“For instance, you can start up an awareness campaign online about the needs of your communities. Such a project cannot only attract support, but can help you reach more numbers,” disclosed Kafeero.
Addressing over 1000 youth during a conference organised by Rotary Club of Mengo at Mengo Senior School in Nakulabye on Saturday, Kafeero said they have this year emphasised innovation, leadership and service because they want young people to adopt to the emerging technologies.
“We are using such conferences to cultivate a culture of young people who have ethics, integrity and respect for each other because of the digital revolution. We are encouraging young people to embrace innovation and technology tools to develop their communities,” explained Kafeero.
Grace Nantagya, Mengo Senior School headteacher addressing journalists during the Mega youth conference at Mengo Senior School in Nakulabye on11th July 2026. (Credit: Juliet Kasirye)
Since most youth have phones but do not know how to use them safely, Rotarian Grace Nantagya, who is also the headteacher of Mengo Senior School, said the young Rotaracters can teach digital literacy by starting with the 100 pupils’ campaign that focuses on: Google, email, typing, and cyber safety.
“Instead of engaging in unproductive discussions on social media, start a community technology helpdesk and assist parents using smartphones, mobile money and platforms such as Zoom. Educate them about fake news, cyberbullying, and online scams. By doing so, you become trusted technology experts within your community,” explained Nantagya.
Years back, according to Nantagya, companies used to move door to door to do public relations. But with digital literacy skills today, he said one can run online fundraising, awareness campaigns, raise money for a community, school or any virtual talent show using different social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.
“You should build skills for future jobs. The digital revolution changed the game. It is not about getting a job out of school anymore; it is about having skills. Employers are looking for digital skills, human skills and problem-solving skills,” Nantagya told the youth.
To remain relevant in the digital era, he urged youth to acquire digital skills, become content creators, and problem solvers. “The digital revolution is not waiting. Your certificate will get you an interview. Your skills will get you a job,” Nantagya said.
Some of the youth during the Mega youth conference at Mengo Senior School in Nakulabye on11th July 2026. (Credit: Juliet Kasirye)
Challenges facing youth
During the meeting, Emmanuel Gitta, the executive director of G-minds Limited highlighted some of the challenges affecting young people, including phone addiction, cheating exams and shortcuts, loneliness and jokes that turn into bullying.
Regarding innovation and technology, Collins Sseguya, the president of Interact club of Janan School, Bombo, said, “As young people, we shall find ways to integrate technology into our studies, conduct research, and teach fellow interactors how to use Artificial Intelligence to develop projects that can generate income rather than using them solely for research.
According to Joanitah Kwagala, a charter president at St Catherine’s College Makindye, one of the critical challenges affecting young people includes negligence and lack of parental guidance.
“In our generation, many parents focus more on their work than on being present to provide parental guidance to their children. As a result, some young people engage in unproductive activities. Due to lack of parental guidance, a student who was struggling with stress recently committed suicide. We appeal to our parents to be there for us and provide support,” Kwagala observed.