The Busiro South Member of Parliament elect, Kenan Opio, has urged young people to participate in government programs aimed at improving livelihoods and creating economic opportunities.
Opio made the remarks while meeting youth leaders in Katabi Town Council, Wakiso District, encouraging them to take advantage of initiatives designed to empower communities and reduce unemployment.
During the engagement, he highlighted that many government programs intended to support young people remain underutilised due to lack of awareness or limited involvement by the beneficiaries themselves.
“Youths must take the lead in engaging with government programs that are meant to improve their livelihoods. These initiatives were established to help young people become self-reliant and productive members of society,” Opio said.
He called on youth leaders to mobilize their peers and ensure that information about such programs reaches grassroots communities.
“As leaders at the community level, you have the responsibility to guide fellow youths on how they can access these opportunities. When young people participate actively in these programs, they can transform their lives and also contribute to the development of our communities,” he added.
Opio also emphasised the importance of innovation, entrepreneurship, and skills development, noting that government initiatives in agriculture, small-scale manufacturing, and digital technology can help tackle unemployment.
“Young people should not wait for jobs to come to them. Government programs offer opportunities for skills development, funding and support that can help youths start their own ventures and become job creators,” he said.
He pledged to continue engaging communities in Busiro South to ensure residents, particularly youth, benefit from available development programs and government interventions.
The meeting in Katabi attracted several youth leaders and community representatives who discussed challenges affecting young people in the area, including unemployment and limited access to capital.
Kenan Opio was recently elected Member of Parliament for Busiro South after defeating several contenders, including incumbent Charles Matovu and outgoing Wakiso District chairperson Matia Lwanga Bwanika.