Youth urged to take lead in transformation of Africa

KAMPALA - With the young people representing the largest segment of the population in Uganda and across Africa, the former Ugandan Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda emphasises that equipping them with essential skills and knowledge is crucial for driving the continent's transformation.

He said it is the responsibility of today's youth to lead the charge in liberating their nations and Africa as a whole, given their youthfulness, determination, knowledge, vitality, and ability to effectively rally the masses of Africa to unite and work as one bloc.

He emphasised the importance of the old generation collaborating with the young people to exchange perspectives and ideas on addressing the continent's challenges, which span economic, social, and political issues.

Rugunda was presiding over the inauguration of the third intergenerational dialogue organized by the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) on November 14, 2024, with the theme: “Education as a Catalyst for Advancing the Youth, Peace, and Security Agenda.” at Speke Resort Munyonyo.

The three-day event ends on November 14, 2024.

“One way is us uniting in one way or the other. Functional Unity is what I am talking about so that in terms of industry, what Kenya cannot do, Uganda can do, or what both cannot do, individually they do it together,” he noted.

Rugunda, who is among the elders at COMESA, stressed that through functional unity, COMESA member states and Africa as a whole can significantly enhance the value of raw materials and export-ready products, rather than simply serving as suppliers of raw materials to metropolitan countries.

“When the capacity is built, the region and Africa can easily renegotiate the terms of trade because we will also be exporting value-added products,” he said.

Angel Mbuthia (L), the chairperson COMESA Youth Advisory Panel with Ruhakana Rugunda (C), the former Prime Minister and a member of the COMESA Committee of Elders and Raymond Kitevu, the security expert on the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) at the 3rd Inter-generational Dialogue Forum in Munyonyo on November 12, 2024. (Credit: Nicholas Oneal)

He emphasized that the involvement of young people in all discussions regarding the transformation of Africa is essential, as they represent a significant demographic.

“Young people are key to bettering Africa to play a catalytic role to bring Africa meaningfully together and to oppose any of the forces that may want to keep us (Africa) divided because of sectarian and other considerations,” he added.

Rugunda stressed the importance of African governments engaging in dialogues with the youth, not just for the purpose of exchanging ideas and perspectives, but also to promote peace.

He highlighted that meaningful conversations between the younger and older generations can lead to a better understanding of each other's needs, thereby preventing unnecessary conflicts that could escalate into violence.

He noted that such dialogues are crucial in bridging the gap that often exists between these two generations.

“There is no doubt that there is a gap and we should take realistic steps as COMESA and Africa to close this gap,” he noted.

He stressed that African governments must embrace dialogues as the only way forward or else “we will create a big chasm between the same people, country and at the end of the day this may lead to a huge clash and revolution in our respective countries”.

A security specialist at COMESA, Raymond Kitevu, stated that intergenerational dialogues facilitate opportunities for youth to interact with leaders and policymakers regarding matters that impact their lives.

“These dialogues provide a platform for youths to provide best practices and initiatives on taking forward the agenda of peace and security forward in the region in terms of advocacy, education, awareness and engagement,” he added.

Angel Mbuthia, chairperson of the COMESA Youth Advisory Panel, highlighted that the gap between generations plays a significant role in fostering a hostile political environment, as evidenced by the recent events in Kenya that resulted in loss of life.

She stressed the necessity for young individuals and the older generation to engage with one another in a manner that demonstrates emotional intelligence.

Jacob Eyeru, chairperson of the National Youth Council of Uganda, said the dialogue provides a platform and an opportunity for young people in the region to engage in discussions about issues that affect them and to collaboratively seek solutions.

He pointed out that governments must acknowledge that young people constitute the majority and that their perspectives must be taken into account.

“That is why we decided to hold a regional dialogue because the young people suffer the same problems, challenges around quality of education, unemployment and face similar hardships in the economic situation,” he added.