Independence Park, the historic green space in the heart of Mbarara City, has long served as a place for relaxation, leisure, and community events.
Opened in 1962, the park has recently taken on a new role as a meeting point for unemployed youth seeking to share ideas, network, and explore income-generating opportunities.
During a recent visit, this reporter observed groups of young people engaged in discussions, exchanging experiences, while others rested on the grass.
Among them is Ambrose Ajuna, a graduate in Development Studies who has spent two years without formal employment. He explained that he often meets colleagues at the park to share experiences and discuss enterprising ideas.
“I stay in Katete, Mbarara City South Division, around three kilometres from here. Once in a while, I check on colleagues here because we cannot afford expensive meeting places,” Ajuna said.
He added that these informal gatherings have yielded practical results.
“Three of my colleagues during one of our meetings last year came up with ideas to employ themselves. They pooled resources, rented land in Nyeihanga, Rwampara District, and started a bricklaying business, which is now thriving,” he said.
Similarly, Emmanuel Mujuni, a graduate from Bishop Stuart University, described how he and fellow job-seekers use the park as a strategic meeting point after spending the day visiting offices and business centres in search of employment.
“I rent with two other colleagues in Mbarara City North Division, and we take different paths during our search for jobs. Later in the day, we converge here to chart a way forward before returning home,” he said.
Mbarara City Mayor Robert Mugabe welcomed the youth’s use of the park for constructive purposes.
“Independence Park is a public place, and if the youth are using it as a space to share ideas to improve their livelihoods, then there is no problem,” he said.
However, some residents have raised concerns about safety. George Twesigye, a neighbour, cautioned that while many youths meet in the park with good intentions, others could be criminals or potential criminals.
“There are some good people who come to relax and strike business deals here, but it is also a hideout for criminals who may plan illegal activities,” he said.
In response, Rwizi Region Police Spokesperson Samson Kasasira assured the public that security measures are in place.
“Through our intelligence-led surveillance, we regularly carry out operations to arrest individuals attempting to use the park as a centre for criminal activity,” he said.
As Mbarara City continues to grapple with youth unemployment, Independence Park has evolved beyond its traditional role as a recreational space to become a hub of creativity and entrepreneurial thinking, offering young people an affordable venue to collaborate, innovate, and work toward self-reliance.
