Summary:

• Uganda and the UN have launched a program to empower 25,000 youth with $84.1 million. Focused on health, skills, and participation, it aims to address youth needs in eight districts. The initiative aims to bridge education and job market gaps and foster youth engagement in critical issues like peace and climate change.

KAMPALA, (Examiner) – Uganda and the United Nations have joined forces to launch a transformative program aimed at empowering over 25,000 youth and adolescents. With a staggering budget of Shs 84.1 billion, the Uganda-UN Joint Adolescent and Youth Program (UNJYP) targets a range of critical areas including social protection, adolescent health, skill development, and economic empowerment.

The initiative, designed to foster youth engagement and participation, extends its focus to vital themes such as peace and security, environmental conservation, and climate change. Specifically, the program aims to equip young individuals with the knowledge and agency to make informed decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Implemented initially across eight districts including Yumbe, Terego, Kotido, Moroto, Kampala, Lamwo, Kiryandongo, and Namayingo, the program’s selection criteria were based on identified needs and investment priorities. Notably, Uganda boasts one of the youngest populations globally, with over 78 percent of its citizens under the age of 35, a demographic set to double within the next 25 years.

Laura Criado Lafuente, the gender and youth program coordinator at UNFPA, emphasized the pivotal role of education in the initiative, underscoring its significance in national development. Collaborating with 13 UN agencies and the Ugandan government, efforts are underway to formulate a comprehensive national plan of action for youth peace and security.

“We aim to cultivate a social movement within these districts, engaging parents, community leaders, and religious figures as allies in our mission for gender equality,” Lafuente asserted.

Echoing these sentiments, Mondo Kyateka, assistant commissioner in charge of Youth Affairs, stressed the importance of bridging the gap between labor market demands and educational offerings. Through targeted interventions, the program seeks to enhance youth access to education, skills, and employment opportunities, fostering productive contributions to the economy.

Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, the state minister for Children and Youth Affairs, commended the collaborative efforts of the UN agencies and affirmed the ministry’s commitment to support the program. Emphasizing inclusivity, he underscored the initiative’s non-partisan nature, inviting stakeholders from all backgrounds to unite for the betterment of Uganda’s youth.

To ensure effective coordination, the UNJYP joint steering committee will operate at both political and programmatic levels, leveraging the expertise of government officials, UN representatives, and youth organizations. With the National Youth Council and Uganda National Students Association actively engaged, the initiative holds promise for catalyzing positive change and empowering Uganda’s vibrant youth population.