Youth have been urged to use government programmes to improve their livelihoods.

This pronouncement was made during the celebration of International Youth Day on August 18, 2023.

In Nakawa division,the  youths from Kamwanyi Zone Port Bell, in Luzira, conducted a community youth parliament organised by different civil society organisations in commemoration of the day, which is celebrated worldwide on August 12.

According to Joshua Ssekiwunga, the Luzira Parish Youth ChairPerson, government programmes, including the Parish Development Model (PDM), are meant to lift Ugandans and young people out of poverty.

“In Luzira parish, we specified enterprises to be included in the PDM, and this only works for already existing businesses and not start-ups,” Ssekiwunga said.

The community youth parliament focused more on informing community members, young and old, on their responsibilities as citizens to make their communities better.

Arthur Blick Sanyu, the Executive Director of Anchors for Youth Afrika (AYA), encouraged the young people to respond to the different government programmes available in their communities but also be innovative and come up with other means of earning a livelihood and not just wait for government provision.

“As we celebrate this day, let’s also remember the importance of unity and collaboration. Together, we can overcome challenges, break down barriers, and build bridges to a world that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion. AYA is your platform to amplify your voices, share your visions, and forge connections that transcend borders,” Sanyu said.

The event was organised by Anchors for Youth Afrika (AYA) and Holistic Actions for Development and Empowerment (HADE) and was attended by local leaders, members of the civil society, Nakawa Division leaders, and members from the surrounding communities.

This year’s Youth Day celebrations were held on August 18, 2023, in Kabale at Kigezi Primary School, and the guest of honour was President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.