President Museveni today joined thousands of young Ugandans in Masindi District to mark this year’s International Youth Day, urging the youth to take charge of wealth creation, safeguard national development initiatives, and leverage technology to drive Uganda’s transformation.
The celebrations, held at Masindi Golf Course Grounds under the theme “Youth Advancing Socio-Economic Transformation through Technology and Partnership,” brought together youth leaders, government officials, and beneficiaries of national empowerment programmes.
International Youth Day is observed annually on August 12, following a 1999 UN resolution that recognizes the role of young people in development. According to the 2024 National Census, Uganda has one of the youngest populations globally, with 73.5% of citizens under the age of 30.
In his keynote address, the President noted that Uganda’s progress rests on the peace and stability delivered by the NRM government, calling on young people to understand and defend long-term government strategies such as the Parish Development Model (PDM).
“Some people confuse pledges with plans. The major plan of the NRM government is peace — and that one is firm. Nobody can bring war here again,” Museveni said, adding that threats such as crime and corruption must be actively confronted.
He linked Uganda’s youthful population to successful public health interventions, particularly immunization campaigns that have drastically reduced child mortality. However, he expressed concern about the persistent theft of medical supplies from public health facilities.
“Our children are alive because of immunization. But the drugs for treatment are being stolen — not in Congo or South Sudan, but right here in Uganda. That means it is you, the citizens, who must take responsibility and stop this theft,” he said.
The president underscored that the fight against poverty must start with commercial agriculture, citing examples of Ugandans who have turned small pieces of land into thriving businesses.
He mentioned State Minister for Works Fred Byamukama, who earns over Shs 55 million per month from poultry farming, and Richard Nyakana, a Fort Portal-based model farmer who employs 15 people on a one-acre farm.
“Please, listen carefully to the NRM message. Plan number one is commercial agriculture. From there, we go to manufacturing and then services — including digital. These are the pillars that will transform Uganda,” Museveni emphasized.
He announced plans for an industrial park in Hoima near Karuma Dam and pointed to the example of Kinyara Sugar, which currently employs over 20,000 people, as evidence that the manufacturing sector can absorb thousands of youth.
The President also called on young people to explore opportunities in the service and digital sectors, which he described as key enablers of modern economies.
PDM and Accountability
On the Parish Development Model, Museveni issued a stern warning against local-level corruption and mismanagement.
“The PDM money is your money. Defend it. If thieves steal it, they can only succeed with your silence. We send the money from the centre, but if you do not monitor it, it will be stolen by your own people. Don’t just complain — you have the power to demand accountability,” he said.
He reminded attendees that government had done its part by mobilizing resources, and it was now the responsibility of communities to ensure these programmes deliver results.
This year’s event also showcased the impact of key government youth programmes. The Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP) has disbursed Shs 193.7 billion to more than 273,000 youths, while the Presidential Initiative on Skilling the Girl and Boy Child has trained over 30,000 urban youths since 2017 in trades including tailoring, welding, ICT, and baking.
Three of the best-performing youth and women groups under YLP and the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP) were recognized and awarded during the function.
In her address, the Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Betty Amongi described Uganda’s youth as a vital engine for socio-economic change and urged investment in digital skills and innovation to unlock their full potential.
She noted that recent data shows 43% of Ugandans aged 10 years and above now use smartphones, with nearly half of users aged 15 to 24 leveraging mobile technology for business, trade, and entrepreneurship.
“Technology must be accessible to all — urban and rural. Mobile phones are no longer just communication tools; they are business enablers, supporting new forms of employment including mobile money agents, delivery services, and digital banking even in rural villages,” she said.
The president closed the event with a rallying call for youth to focus on transformative national programmes rather than short-term political pledges.
“Plans are for the masses — agriculture, manufacturing, services, health, and the PDM. Pledges are small additions. Concentrate on the plans. That is how we shall move Uganda forward together,” he said.