''Youth unemployment is a venue for instability''

May 11, 2014

The head of European Union (EU) delegation in Uganda warns that a high youth unemployment rate is an avenue for instability if not addressed.

By Francis Emorut                                                   

KAMPALA - The head of European Union (EU) delegation in Uganda, Kristian Schmidt, has warned that a high youth unemployment rate is an avenue for instability if it is not promptly addressed.

“Unemployed young men without a future are fertile recruiting ground for radical ideas. There is instability not far away where we stand,” he told fellow ambassadors, government officials and the minister of finance Maria Kiwanuka.

The EU official said both Europe and Africa need a youth who believes in the future and who dares to take chances without fearing of losing the family’s savings and health.

He said the country needs youth who are not corrupt but those who have hope and trust in government’s institutions.

Schmidt was speaking during the Europe Day celebrations at his residence in Kololo, Kampala on Friday.

He called for social cohesion and peace as the country approaches the 2016 election year.

“Social cohesion, peace and hope for the future are essential values as Uganda prepares for the general elections in 2016,” he said.

He appealed to government to conclude negotiations on an Economic Partnership Agreement with the East African Community to foster economic growth.

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Finance minister Maria Kiwanuka mingled with the EU delegation members at the event. PHOTO/Francis Emorut

The EU boss announced that EU will inject 28 billion Euros to strengthen development cooperation in Africa.

On her part, finance minister Maria Kiwanuka commended the EU for understanding government’s capital investment in areas such as infrastructure development, road and transport and food security.

She also thanked the EU and development partners for continued support and appealed for more cooperation.

EU ties with Uganda started in 1975.

“Uganda appreciates EU and other development partners for continued support and we look forward for continued cooperation,” Kiwanuka said.

The EU head hosted his guests to a reception of a cocktail of drinks and splendid cuisine.

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