Uganda’s youth came together at Nob Hotel, Kampala to validate their Voluntary National Review (VNR) report. Led by the United Nations Association Uganda (UNAU), the event aimed to scrutinize Uganda’s youth bulge, exploring its potential and confronting its challenges.
Ronald Agaba, a consultant, presented the comprehensive report, which delved into various facets of the youth landscape in Uganda. Among the critical issues highlighted, access to quality education emerged as a pressing concern. Despite commendable progress, particularly in urban areas, rural regions still grapple with limited educational opportunities, perpetuating disparities.
Moreover, the specter of youth unemployment loomed large, with statistics revealing a staggering rate of 64%, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. This economic disenfranchisement poses a significant obstacle to Uganda’s development aspirations.
Financial constraints further compound the challenges, impeding young people’s ability to translate their ideas into tangible initiatives that contribute to sustainable development. Additionally, the lack of representation in decision-making spheres stifles the voices of Uganda’s youth, hindering their capacity to shape policies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Gender inequality exacerbates the plight of young women and girls, perpetuating cycles of marginalization and depriving them of equal access to education and economic opportunities. Adolescent pregnancy rates, particularly prevalent in rural areas, underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to empower young females.
In response to these challenges, Uganda’s youth put forth a series of actionable recommendations aimed at fostering inclusive development. Embracing innovative teaching methodologies and leveraging digital platforms like the “Uganda e-Learning platform” emerged as strategies to bridge educational gaps and enhance access to quality learning resources, especially in remote areas.
Furthermore, initiatives like the “Skilling Uganda Plus” program seek to align skills development efforts with the evolving demands of the labor market, ensuring that young people are equipped with relevant competencies to thrive in a dynamic economy.
The establishment of youth development funds at national and local levels signifies a concerted effort to empower young entrepreneurs and change-makers, providing them with the necessary resources to drive community-led initiatives.
Localization of SDGs information emerges as a pivotal step towards fostering grassroots engagement, ensuring that all Ugandan youth, irrespective of their geographical location, can actively participate in the pursuit of sustainable development.
Richard Baguma Tinkasimire, Secretary General of UNAU, emphasized the imperative of prioritizing youth-centric approaches, given their significant demographic presence. As Uganda prepares to present its VNR report at the United Nations meeting in New York, Tinkasimire reiterated the commitment to amplifying youth voices on the global stage.
Linda Asaba, Programs Manager at UNAU, echoed the sentiment, underlining the urgency for youth to assume leadership roles and drive change at individual and collective levels.
In essence, the validation of Uganda’s VNR report symbolizes a collective endeavor to harness the potential of the nation’s youth as catalysts for sustainable development. With concerted efforts and inclusive policies, Uganda embarks on a journey towards a future where no one is left behind, guided by the unwavering resolve of its vibrant youth population.