A new era of youth leadership has begun in Kampala Central Division following the official handover ceremony of the Youth Council, where leaders emphasized discipline, accountability, unity and youth empowerment as critical pillars for advancing the interests of young people.
The ceremony brought together youth leaders, local government officials and stakeholders to witness the transition from the outgoing council to a newly elected leadership team tasked with steering the youth agenda in the division.
Speaking during the event, Kampala Central Division Mayor Salim Uhuru Nsubuga challenged youth leaders to demonstrate maturity, self-discipline and responsible leadership, warning against behaviour that could damage the credibility of youth institutions.
"The problem is that he has not learned how to exercise self-control. When some committee members get excited, they start fighting, celebrating excessively and engaging in unnecessary confrontations. In the end, such behaviour only brings them down and undermines their position," Nsubuga said.
The Mayor urged the incoming leaders to remain focused on service delivery and avoid distractions that could derail the progress of youth representation within the division.
He further emphasized that leadership is a responsibility that requires patience, humility and a commitment to serving the interests of the people rather than pursuing personal ambitions.
Outgoing Kampala Central Youth Council Chairperson, Karungi Prosscovia Ruqayya, reflected on her tenure, describing it as a period marked by both challenges and achievements.
She thanked fellow council members, community leaders, development partners and young people across the division for their support throughout the council's term.
"Our time in office has been a season of learning, sacrifice and growth. We have faced challenges, but we have also witnessed victories. Together, we mobilized youth voices, strengthened participation in civic life and created opportunities for empowerment," Ruqayya said.
She noted that despite limited resources and various obstacles, the outgoing council remained committed to promoting youth inclusion in governance and advocating for programmes aimed at improving the welfare of young people.
Ruqayya called on the incoming leadership to protect the values of unity, integrity and service, stressing that leadership should be viewed as a platform for creating opportunities and inspiring positive change.
"We are not only handing over offices and responsibilities; we are handing over a vision, a mission and the trust of thousands of young people who believe in the power of youth leadership," she added.
The incoming Chairperson of the Kampala Central Division Youth Council, Tibamwenda Ismail, pledged to lead with transparency, inclusiveness and accountability while championing the interests of all young people in the division.
"I pledge, without reservation, to serve with unwavering integrity, transparency, inclusiveness and an absolute commitment to advancing the interests of every young person we represent," Tibamwenda said.
In his inaugural address, Tibamwenda outlined an ambitious agenda focused on strengthening youth participation in governance, expanding economic opportunities and ensuring that youth concerns are incorporated into planning and budgeting processes within the division.
He emphasized the need to address unemployment through skills development, entrepreneurship, innovation, digital transformation, sports and creative arts, describing these sectors as vital tools for unlocking the potential of young people.
The new youth leader also pledged to strengthen collaboration with political leaders, technical staff, religious institutions, cultural leaders, civil society organisations and community groups to advance youth-centred development programmes.
He called upon young people to remain united and actively participate in leadership and development initiatives aimed at transforming their communities.
"Together, with shared purpose and unwavering determination, let us build a Kampala Central Division where every young person has genuine hope, abundant opportunity and a truly meaningful future," Tibamwenda said.
He further paid tribute to the outgoing council for laying a strong foundation for youth participation in governance and promised to build upon their achievements through consultative and accountable leadership.
The handover ceremony symbolized more than a change of leadership; it underscored a renewed commitment to empowering young people, promoting good governance and ensuring that youth voices remain at the centre of decision-making processes in Kampala Central Division.
Stakeholders at the event expressed optimism that the new leadership will strengthen youth representation, create more opportunities for young people and foster a culture of responsible leadership capable of driving sustainable development across the division.
Youth councils play a critical role in Uganda's governance framework by providing young people with a platform to participate in decision-making, advocate for their interests and contribute to community development initiatives at various levels of government.
