By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged youth from Africa and the Arab world to embrace the ideology of shared interests and common heritage instead of divisions.
Museveni made the remarks in a speech delivered by the Third Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama, during the official opening of the second edition of the Afro-Arab Youth Congress at Speke Resort Munyonyo on Tuesday.
“The destiny of the Afro-Arab world will not be written by others but by us, by our courage to connect, by our wisdom to lead, and our will to act,” Museveni said.
“I therefore make a heartfelt appeal to you to understand the dynamics of the world you live in. The future is shaped not by chance, but by clarity of ideology and the strength of your conviction,” he added.
The Afro-Arab Youth Congress (AAYC), now in its second edition, is a four-day conference that brings together representatives from about 50 African and Arab states. It focuses on dialogue, innovation, and partnerships aimed at addressing shared challenges and unlocking the potential of young people from the two regions.
AAYC Secretary General, Dr. Abbas Agaba, said the congress will feature plenary sessions and workshops on peace, climate resilience, entrepreneurship, digital inclusion, and cultural exchange.
He also revealed plans to launch a fundraising drive for the construction of the Afro-Arab International Headquarters in Uganda. The facility will host a university of science and technology to provide quality education to Ugandan and African youth.
“This is a legacy project that will stand as a beacon of Africa-Arab youth collaboration,” Agaba said.
Former Prime Minister and Special Presidential Envoy for Special Duties, Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, challenged the youth to use the region’s vast human and natural resources to transform their communities.
“You have a large responsibility to ensure that the voice of the Arab world and African continent, which has long been subdued by colonialism and neo-colonialism, rises again so that we play our rightful role in the community of nations and serve our people who have been exploited over time,” Rugunda said.
Over 1,300 youth delegates from across Africa and the Arab world are attending the congress held under the theme “Amplifying Youth Voices for Peace, Unity, and Prosperity.”
The event will feature cultural activities, dialogues, and keynote speeches from various leaders, including heads of state. President Museveni is expected to preside over the closing ceremony on Friday, October 10.
