KAMPALA – Young people from Academia, Civil Society Organizations , Political Parties and the general public have called politicians and Policy makers to ensure that they prioritize the suggestions in the National Youth Manifesto 2026 to 2031 in all their activities.
At the Manifesto launch held at Hotel Africana in Kampala on Friday, the participants noted that it’s unfortunate that although young people makes the largest percentage of the country’s population, they are not given enough chance to participate in decision making processes at various levels.
These also noted that during election period, many politicians take it as a chance to exploit young people during their campaigns, but after being elected they ignore them and their concerns which has kept most youth under miserable conditions of life.
“Am so grateful that brilliant young people joined hands and came out with this well detailed National Youth Manifesto 2026-2031, I promise to work with the Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development to present this copy to the President on this year’s National Youth day celebrations scheduled to take place next month.” Remarked Jacob Eyeru the National Youth council Chairperson at the report launch held at Hotel Africana in Kampala
The Chairperson also thanked, all individuals behind the 2026- 2031 Manifesto which has better suggestions for your empowerment compared to all the past manifestos.
Mr. Mondo Kyateeka, the Commissioner for Youth and Children Affairs at the Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development, promised to lead a team of youth leader to the his line Ministry where they will be in position to share their Manifesto with the Permanent Secretary as well the Minister for implementation.
Ms. Elizabeth Ongom, a representative from European Union, who are among the funders for the programs revealed that through their several initiatives like Youth sounding Board, they have given priority to young people to fully participate in decision making processes.
Mr. Wakibu Bunnya is the Founder and Team Leader of Open Space Uganda , the organizers of this event , emphasized that the launch of the National Youth Manifesto is a call for young people to challenge leaders to prioritize the power of the digital generation and to hold them accountable.
Ms Nassozi Muwanga , from the Julius Nyerere Leadership in Makerere University expressed the need of having youth inclusion and have youth voices heard at various levels in order to reduce unemployment which is on high rise in the country today.
“Many people in leadership positions don’t want to associate or bring young people closer their offices with a myth that they may take over their roles and responsibilities.”
The National Youth Manifesto is a social contract between youth , Civil society organizations and the government of Uganda. Being that the current Ugandan population has over 78 percent of people under 30 years of age, with more than 23 percent of these people between 18 to 23 years, the manifesto properly highlights their voices.
Many young people think that political promises/manifestos have not translated into real opportunities for decent work , quality education, affordable health care and meaningful participation in governance.
The event attracted participants from Political Parties in the country, Government, Civil Society Organizations like; African Development Link, Show Abilities Uganda, Young Farmers Federation Uganda, Youth Empowerment and Participation in policy and Development and Many others.
