Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has expressed support for student-led initiatives aimed at involving university students in national development programmes, including preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) 2027.
Tayebwa made the remarks after meeting newly elected Makerere University Guild leaders—Guild Speaker Trevis Muhwezi and Deputy Guild Speaker Akello Evas—during a courtesy visit to Parliament.
The meeting, which brought together student leaders from Makerere University, focused on strengthening youth participation in governance and exploring ways students can contribute to national projects.
According to Tayebwa, the discussions also highlighted challenges facing students at the university and the broader need to integrate youth leadership into decision-making structures.
“What makes this visit even more special is that the new Speaker is my constituent and a son to Mr. Wilberforce Muhwezi, my chief campaigner and one of our senior elders in Ruhinda North,” he said.
A key proposal from the student leaders was the involvement of university students as volunteers in Uganda’s preparations for Afcon 2027, which Tayebwa welcomed as a practical and inclusive idea.
“I commend them for their thoughtful proposals, including advocating for the inclusion of university students as volunteers in the organisation of the upcoming Afcon tournament,” he said.
Uganda is jointly preparing to host the tournament under the regional arrangement for the 2027 edition of the continental football championship organised by the Africa Cup of Nations.
Tayebwa further revealed plans to deepen engagement with student leadership through a proposed Joint Inter-Guild Session to be held in Parliament, aimed at giving students a formal platform to present policy ideas and development proposals.
“We also discussed the possibility of a partnership between my office and the Guild Council to convene a Joint Inter-Guild Session in the National Parliamentary Chambers,” he said.
He added that such platforms would help bridge the gap between student leadership and national governance structures, allowing young people to contribute more directly to public policy discussions.
The Deputy Speaker also noted that the students had requested a dialogue with the 92nd Guild Representative Council at Makerere University, where broader issues of leadership and governance would be discussed.
Tayebwa reaffirmed Parliament’s readiness to support youth-driven initiatives, describing young people as central to Uganda’s development agenda.
“Parliament remains open to supporting initiatives that empower young people and strengthen their contribution to national development,” he said.
