HARNESSING UGANDA’S MOST VALUABLE RESOURCE- THE YOUTH

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Undoubtedly, if you want to make a difference in any community, one must recognize the potential of the young people. 77% of Uganda’s population is under the age of 35. Having recognized this truth, Forum for Women in Democracy decided to engage University students.  
At Kampala International University the students were engaged in a dialogue themed ‘Unlocking People’s Potential for Sustainable Development through collective Investment’. The dialogue that was aimed at enhancing youth capacities to focus on developmental innovations and ideas that will lead to community transformation.
Leonard Okello, the Head of Uhuru Institute in his keynote address urged students to use their power at the youthful age to cause change that the country so hungers for. This age group has the advantages of numbers, intelligence, innovativeness, a bright future and memory scan that can easily exploit the environment of technology, globalization, mineral, arable land and fresh waters that can be used to better their lives.
Hellena Okiring, a youth activist urged students to make themselves available in the decision-making spheres of this country. Case scenario was the 5 Members of Parliament that represent the estimated 28 million youth, yet the army has 10 MPs for only 60.000 soldiers.
The dialogue stirred the minds of the young people as they pledged to harness their potential as young people amidst an economy that has excluded them as central members of society.
“We the youth complain about the issues that affect us but we do not want to engage in the spheres that these issues are discussed”. Martin Sekajja, a 3rd year Law student says, “Come 2016, I am going to contest for the seat of Member of Parliament. The constitution mandates me to be a leader, and I think the one we have is not taking this seriously.”

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