KOLOLO, Uganda – President Yoweri Museveni has commended Youth Platform Africa (YPA) for its “remarkable journey of transformation and expansion in agri-business,” highlighting its growth from 100 goats to 110,000 and maize production from one to 36,000 acres.
In remarks delivered by Minister of State for Children and Youth Affairs Balaam Barugahara at YPA’s Annual General Meeting and Expo at Kololo Independence Grounds, Museveni said, “This tremendous growth testifies to your hard work and commitment to wealth and jobs creation, through commercial agriculture. I thank the leaders and members of YPA for propagating the NRM’s message on wealth creation, among the young people.”
Museveni urged Ugandans to join the money economy to fight poverty, noting that 37% of households remain in subsistence agriculture. He stated that wealth and jobs can be created in commercial agriculture, industries, services, and ICT, adding, “Without money, you cannot participate in the economy as a consumer of goods and services.”
He thanked YPA for utilizing Uganda’s stable environment and infrastructure. “I thank Col. Edith Nakalema, the Patron for YPA, for supporting the youth initiatives,” Museveni said.
Barugahara lauded YPA’s founder, Obed Ben Rukuringamamanzi, and praised Museveni’s “visionary leadership.”
Col. Nakalema, Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), expressed gratitude for being part of YPA’s efforts, saying, “Through the lenses of Youth Platform Africa, the destiny of Uganda lies in the power of youth to steer innovation, empowerment and transformation.” She added, “Your initiatives so far as Youth Platform Africa are already a clear gauge that the youth can make agriculture the driver of economic growth through rural transformation.”
National Planning Authority (NPA) Executive Director Dr. Joseph Muvawala thanked Rukuringamamanzi and YPA members, stating, “What you are doing as YPA is part of the arrangements that will help our country achieve that target” of tenfold growth.
YPA Managing Director Obed said the organization grew from a small village group in 2008. He stated, “Our primary objective is to provide young Africans with opportunities to flourish and create lasting impact within their communities” through initiatives in agribusiness, technology, and entrepreneurship.
