LUCAS MUSISI
Over 25,000 youth and adolescents are poised to benefit from a Shs 84.1 billion Uganda-UN joint adolescent and youth program. This initiative is set to impact eight districts: Yumbe, Terego, Kotido, Moroto, Kampala, Lamwo, Kiryandongo, and Namayingo.
The program’s focus areas include social protection, adolescent health, skilling and economic empowerment, and climate, peace, and security. Participants will receive training that empowers them to make informed decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health and rights.
UNICEF reports that Uganda has the second-youngest population in the world, with over 78 percent of its citizens under the age of 35, a number expected to double in the next 25 years. “Quality education is an area of priority. If we don’t have skilled human resources, we will not be able to support the development of the country,” said Laura Criado Lafuente, the gender and youth program coordinator at UNFPA.
“We aim to build a critical mass that will drive a social movement in these districts, engaging not only the youth but also parents, community leaders, and religious leaders as allies of the program,” she explained. The initiative seeks to amplify youth voices to achieve gender equality and to develop the youth peace and security national plan of action, ensuring an environment where youth can realize their full potential.
“We are collaborating with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education to enhance our efforts for a greater impact. We want the youth, both girls and boys, to make their own decisions about when to marry and start healthy relationships, equipped with the right information and protection,” she added.
Mondo Kyateka, the assistant commissioner in charge of Youth Affairs at the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development and the focal point person for the program, emphasized the importance of increasing access to education, skills, productivity, livelihoods, and employment opportunities for safe and decent work for adolescents and youth.
“This program will address the disparities between labour market demand and the skills imparted by educational institutions. We are evaluating what we can do to make our labour force more productive,” he stated.
Kyateka also highlighted the program’s focus on meaningful participation in peace, security, and climate initiatives. “We are exploring the role young people can play in ensuring that the climate is not degraded and how we can mitigate environmental abuses,” he said.
Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, the state minister for children and youth affairs, commended the UN agencies’ efforts and pledged governmental support for the program. He offered his public address system to help reach the critical masses in the targeted districts.
“This program will benefit all young people, regardless of their political affiliations, religions, and races. We have an open-door policy at the ministry, so let us work together for the benefit of young people,” Balaam concluded.
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