KAMPALA– A number of young people from various political parties, Academic institutions, Civil Society Organizations and the general public have called upon all those intending to contest in the forthcoming general elections, to prioritize youth issues if they need to have the majority support.
At the launch of the 2026- 2031 National Youth Manifesto, the participants noted that it’s unfortunate that although young people makes the largest percentage of the country’s population, they are just used by politicians who end up ignoring them wherever it comes to decision making.
“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
He also thanked, the brains behind this report, for having Mobilized the young people in a non violent way to have their voices heard.
Mondo Kyateeka, the Commissioner Youth and Children Affairs in 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.
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.
…from 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.
