Vice President Jessica Alupo has urged Uganda’s youth to seize opportunities, live responsibly, and actively contribute to national development.
She delivered the message through the Minister of Works and Transport, Edward Katumba Wamala, at the Busoga Diocese 2025 Youth Day celebrations held at Christ’s Cathedral Bugembe in Jinja City on Saturday.
Alupo commended Uganda’s predominantly youthful population, citing the most recent census, and emphasized government’s continued support through education, skills development, and financial empowerment programs.
“The government is committed to supporting the youth through education, skills development, and financial empowerment programs aimed at improving livelihoods,” Alupo stated.
She acknowledged challenges in education and employment, noting that regions like Busoga still struggle with high school dropout rates.
Alupo highlighted government investments in education, particularly in rural areas, and the promotion of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as key to Uganda’s economic transformation.
To reinforce this commitment, Alupo announced Shs 10 million in support of constructing a vocational institute for youth in the diocese and pledged to escalate their concerns to the Office of the President.
She further encouraged young people to embrace entrepreneurship, vocational training, and innovative job creation avenues.
The Bishop of Busoga Diocese, The Rt Rev Paul Moses Samson Naimanhye—who is due to retire in December—preached from Ecclesiastes 12:1, urging young people to honor God with their lives, uphold purity, and resist destructive influences.
The diocesan youth presented him with gifts in recognition of his dedicated service and transformative leadership.
The event drew clergy, deacons, government officials, and youth representatives from across Busoga and beyond, underscoring the central role of young people in shaping Uganda’s future.
