Youth leaders in Kabale District have said inadequate budget allocations are crippling programmes meant to improve the livelihoods of young people.
The concern was raised during the swearing-in ceremony of the new Kabale District Youth Council held at Rukiko Hall in Kabale Municipality.
Outgoing Youth Chairperson Tadeo Taremwa said the available funds are insufficient to effectively run youth programmes and monitor government initiatives targeting young people.
"The budget is too small. We struggle to supervise youth programs and often rely on well-wishers to do our work," Taremwa said.
He called on government to increase funding in order to strengthen youth leadership structures and improve service delivery at the district level.
Kabale District LC5 Chairperson Denis Nzeirwe acknowledged that the current allocation is inadequate and pledged to work with technical teams to push for increased resources during the budgeting process.
"More funding will improve performance of youth leaders and help tackle unemployment and skills gaps," Nzeirwe stated.
He further noted that allowances for youth council leaders are too low to effectively facilitate their work and promised to lobby government for improved support.
"Better allowances will motivate leaders to execute their duties efficiently," Nzeirwe added.
The youth leaders warned that without increased financial support, programmes aimed at addressing unemployment, skills development and youth empowerment in Kabale District risk remaining ineffective despite growing demand from young people.
They urged central and local government to prioritise youth-focused interventions in future budgets, noting that the youth population remains a critical driver of development if adequately supported.
