Kampala, Uganda – As the country gears up for the international youth day commemoration on August 12th, the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has appealed to the government to make youth development a top priority. The party is emphasizing the need for targeted investments in education, sports, and skills training initiatives to address the growing challenge of youth unemployment.
Uganda will on Monday 12th August, 2024 join the rest of the world to celebrate the International Youth Day (IYD) at Soroti Core PTC, Asuret Sub County, Soroti District in Teso sub region.
Uganda’s youthful population, making up 50.5% of the country’s 45.9 million people according to Uganda Bureau of Statistics Census Report of 2024, faces significant challenges, including limited access to quality education and unemployment.
During the party’s press conference on Wednesday, UPC’s National Youth Leader, Mr. Dan Isimbwa criticized the current education system, saying it lacks adquate resources at all levels and produces unskilled graduates hence urging government to prioritize the education sector. “The new education curriculum which is under implementation and expected to offer our pupils and students more scientific and practical skills towards real innovation is almost suffering a still birth.” He said
“Uganda deserves a little better and we need to focus our budget in such productive areas like education for our young people who are the majority to thrive in future.” He added
The party also called for equal funding for all sports federations and modern sports infrastructure to identify and nurture talents from the grassroots. Isimbwa praised Uganda’s Olympic champion, Joshua Cheptegei, as an example of untapped talent. “We have been following with concern the unfair funding of different federation of sports by Government.” Isimbwa highlighted
“All federations for games like Netball, Boxing, Basketball, Athletics, Rugby, Football and Motorcross among others should be treated equally and also appreciate that people have different talents and skills which the Government ought to support.” He further said
Isimbwa also reminded government that sports has not only become a lucrative career, but also raises the country’s flag high across the globe as well as helping to absorb the youth who are suffering from both unemployment and underemployment which should be a priority.
However, UPC warned that neglecting youth development could lead to unrest, citing examples from neighboring Kenya and other countries. “These are no longer early warning signs of the youth question but becoming a big crisis which Uganda and the entire world needs to give utmost attention as we celebrate the International Youth Day.” He outlined
The party further called for the release of youths arrested during anti-corruption demonstrations and urged the government to listen to their concerns. “UPC reiterates its call to release all the youths who were recently arrested during the anti-corruption demonstrations and instead listen to their concerns as opposed to the ruthless response against them.”Isimbwa said
As the “government in waiting,” the UPC emphasized its commitment to youth development and encouraged young party members to participate in the 2025/2026 general elections.
“We see youths as part and parcel of our governance in the country as stated in the Party Constitution of 2008 (as amended), “to develop, encourage and promote young men and women in leadership roles and prepare them for governance.” He clarified
This year’s theme for International Youth Day is “youth digital pathways for sustainable development” while the national theme is “skills development for enhancement of youth opportunities”.
