The youth were drawn from various institutions of higher learning. The discussion was focused on how to provide solutions to the problems the young people in Uganda face. “Very many youths out there don’t have anything to do, guys are unemployed, they wake up in the morning just for betting, gambling.” Said, Paul Nyaiwun – LC II Youth Chairperson, Mbuya 1 Parish, Nakawa. “Everyone you pass by is a suspect, we are worth ransoms and even when we try to pay them, they were not enough, we could be found somewhere along the streets when we are dead and our security forces; the Police are very selective when approaching these issues.” Said, Rebecca Kabeja – Student.
“You see a young person, as I was saying you call a conference here and if there is no 10,000 as transport refund that person is not coming for that conference.” Said, Ambrose Asinizibwe – Youth Worker. "If I work I wouldn't want to work for little pennies, I would want to work for something that supports the kind of life that I am living. now that there is no minimum wage, its like am working for nothing." Said, Regina Nakawuki – Entrepreneur. They also spoke about poor health services, an outdated education system, and insecurity. “So what kind you guys do so that this thing does not collapse?” Dr. Alex Awiti the Director of East African Institute of Agha Khan University who is conducting a study on youth pointed out that it was critical for governments across the six East African countries to invest in the younger population. “But we also revealed that the youth is important because 80% of the population in East Africa is age below 35. If we don’t make the right investments today, we compromise our capacity to compete as a region, we compromise our capability to prosper our societies, and we compromise our capability to compete as a nation that has the next generation to take these populations forward.” Said, Dr. Alex Awiti – Director, East Africa Institute – Agha Khan University.
Over 70% of Uganda’s population is comprised of youth, a number that is still very high. And it’s here at the Innovations Hub where they have discussed that poverty is one of the leading causes that is hindering the youth from progressing. Now they are hoping that they can pressure the government to be able to divert funds to help youth progress in the future.
