By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The government has been warned against underestimating the power of youth in driving change. Dan Isimbwa, National Youth Leader of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), cautioned on Wednesday that the youth uprisings in various African countries are a stark reminder that the youth question is becoming a pressing crisis that Uganda cannot afford to ignore.
“If the world continues to ignore the youth question, it will provoke and force them to come up and assert their voice as we are witnessing,” said Isimbwa.
Isimbwa’s remarks come at a time when millions of Ugandan youth are suffering under the current regime, with many languishing in prison for opposing President Museveni’s government.
Citing examples of African countries where youth have successfully influenced government change, the UPC national youth leader urged the government to acknowledge the vital role youth play in the country’s leadership and governance. He emphasized that when UPC regains power in 2026, they will ensure that young people’s voices are heard and represented in policy-making and governance.
“UPC as the government in waiting, sees the youth 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 of the country by streamlining them into the body fabric of the party,” he said.
Uganda will on Monday 12th August, 2024 join the rest of the world to celebrate the International Youth Day (IYD) themed; “Skills Development for Enhanced of Youth Opportunities.” The national celebration will take place at Soroti Core PTC, Asurer sub-county, Soroti district.
