Uganda’s youthful population, one of the largest in the world, is often described as a blessing. But without proper policies and targeted support, it risks becoming a missed opportunity.
Across the country, young people continue to face hurdles in education, employment, and access to basic needs, prompting calls for urgent reforms.
For many girls, access to sanitary towels remains a barrier to education.
“Many young girls lack access to sanitary towels, which causes them to miss school,” says Judith Nalukwago , a youth Advocate, and a politician.
“Additionally, they avoid health facilities where they could receive treatment because of this. It’s sad that in the 21st century in Uganda we are still in survival mode.”
Dropouts are also on the rise, with some attributing it to deep-rooted misconceptions about education. Babrah Nakandi Amooti believes awareness is key.
“Some people hold beliefs that discourage education. Creating awareness and showing people that success is possible can help reduce this dropout gap,” she says.
While Uganda’s demographic profile presents a potential workforce advantage, lack of planning threatens to turn it into a challenge.
“The government has failed young people,” Nalukwago says. “Without proper support, young people may turn to hooliganism, drug abuse, and other negative paths.”
Concerns over fair access to government initiatives like the Parish Development Model (PDM) also dominate youth discussions.
According to Nalukwago, while these programs are meant for all, political affiliation often plays a role in selecting beneficiaries.
“When it comes to selecting beneficiaries of PDM, preference is often given to people in the NRM book. This is one of the main complaints from people in my area,” she notes.
Youth advocates stress that for Uganda’s policies to truly serve its young population, they must go beyond rhetoric, ensuring equal access to opportunities, breaking cultural barriers to education, and removing politics from development programs. Without such changes, the country risks watching its greatest resource slip away.