State Minister for Youth Sarah Mateke has said that young people are essential to the country’s development and that the government is working to create opportunities for them to succeed.
She was addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Center on August 16, ahead of international youth day celebrations to be held on Friday this week in Kigezi. The celebrations were extended by the government from August 12 .
The Minister said the government of Uganda is committed to supporting young people to reach their full potential.
Mateke pointed to a number of government programs that are designed to help young people, including the Youth Livelihood Programme, which provides financial assistance to young entrepreneurs, and the National Youth Service, which offers training and skills development opportunities. The government is also working to improve access to education and healthcare for young people, and to create more jobs in the formal sector.
“Through various platforms like Youth Councils, the Youth representation in Parliament, and Youth networks, they have voiced their concerns, taken action, and integrated the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into local initiatives ” she said
Mateke praised young people for their role in helping Uganda achieve its development goals. She said that young people are active participants in local government and that they are using their voices to advocate for change. She also noted that young people are increasingly involved in the private sector and that they are making significant contributions to the economy.
“Uganda’s young people are a valuable asset to the country,” Mateke said. “They are full of energy and ideas, and they are eager to make a difference. The government is committed to supporting them so that they can reach their full potential and contribute to the development of our country.”
Mateke underlined that the government’s commitment to youth empowerment and economic growth is demonstrated through dedicated allocations for critical sectors.
She noted that sectors such as agriculture, works and transport, tourism, hospitality, ICT, and energy development have received strategic attention, showcasing the government’s dedication to nurturing youth potential and fostering economic progress.
“The government is demonstrating its commitment to youth empowerment and economic growth through strategic allocations for sectors such as agriculture, works and transport, tourism, and hospitality, ICT, and energy development,” she stated.
In addition to the government’s support, young people in Uganda are also finding ways to help themselves. They are forming their own organizations and networks, and they are working to address issues that affect them, such as unemployment, poverty, and HIV/AIDS. They are also using social media to connect with each other and to share information and resources.
“We firmly believe that Uganda’s youth can unlock the demographic dividend they hold. By investing in their development, fostering their participation, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders,” she added