The Government of Uganda has announced that the 2025 National Commemoration of International Youth Day will now be held on Friday, 19th September in Masindi District to boost wide participation of young people.
Speaking at a press briefing at Uganda Media Centre on 12th September, 2025, State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, said the abrupt change allows for thorough preparations, wider stakeholder engagement, and the launch of key initiatives including the National Youth Innovation Fund and the Revised National Youth Policy (2025).
“This change allows us to prepare adequately, mobilize wide participation, and give the occasion the prominence it deserves,” Ateenyi said.
The global theme for this year’s International Youth Day, “Youth Advancing Multilateral Cooperation through Technology and Partnerships,” has been tailored to Uganda’s context as “Youth Advancing Socio-Economic Transformation through Technology and Partnerships.”
“This adaptation aligns with the country’s Vision 2040 and National Development Plan, positioning youth as pivotal drivers of prosperity through digital innovation and collaborative efforts,” he noted.
According to him, this demographic dividend is not just a challenge but Uganda’s greatest resource capable of propelling the nation toward a more inclusive and resilient future when properly empowered.
Ateenyi cited programs such as the Youth Livelihood Programme providing start-up capital, the Parish Development Model allocating 30% of resources to youth enterprises, the Youth Venture Capital Fund offering affordable credit, and Presidential Skilling Initiatives training thousands in trades and ICT to support young entrepreneurs and innovators.
For the 2024/25 financial year, the government allocated UGX 58.34 trillion to national development, with substantial investments targeting youth-centric areas including ICT, education, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.
Ateenyi extended an invitation to all stakeholders from government agencies and private sector players to development partners, civil society, religious, and cultural leaders to join the commemoration as Uganda plans to launch the National Youth Innovation Fund and implement the Revised National Youth Policy (2025) to deepen institutional support.
