Youth leaders from Greater Masaka have convened for a 3-day camp to engage in discussions with different stakeholders regarding their roles in the nation’s development and transformation.

The camp, organized by the NRM Secretariat under the theme “fostering growth and unity among the youth,” is being held at St. Charles Lwanga SS, Kasasa, running from December 5 to 8, 2023.

The first day of the gathering was graced by Rosemary Sseninde, the Director of Mobilization, Cadre Identification, Recruitment, and Placement, along with Hon. Emmanuel Dombo, the Director of Information and Publicity, and H.E. James Kinobe, the Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

While addressing the assembly, Sseninde dispelled the misconception that ideological orientation is exclusive to the NRM, emphasizing its universal importance for all citizens to contribute meaningfully to the nation.

Rev. Fr. James Ssekito, who was in attendance, urged the youth to prioritize love, unity, and the understanding that social services transcend political affiliations. Reflecting on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, he emphasized the need for unity, emphasizing shared brotherhood and sisterhood.

Ssekito acknowledged that Africa’s poverty is a collective challenge, noting that the youth play a crucial role in overcoming it. He also called upon the youth to abstain from substance abuse, recognizing its hindrance to personal and national development.

“I encouraged the youth to identify and leverage wealth creation opportunities, with a specific nod to Uganda’s abundance of food resources in the region,” Ssekito said.

In his conclusion, he called upon everyone to pay attention to protecting the environment by engaging in waste plastic recycling, which also generates income.

The call to action resonated with a plea to rebuild the Masaka region and restore its reputation as an agricultural hub providing sustenance for the nation.

The camp aims at empowering youth leaders with insights into wealth creation opportunities for economic transformation, providing a platform for the youth to express and discuss challenges affecting the Central Region, fostering an understanding and appreciation for Uganda’s rich natural resources, and enhancing values and life skills among the youth for personal and collective development.