In a world where young leaders are the promise of a brighter future, creating spaces for them to discuss, learn, and empower themselves is principal. The National Youth Leadership Dialogue held on the 26th and 27th of this month did just that, as it took place under the Youth Meaningful Participation Program. With the theme “Prioritizing Youth Issues in Local Government Budgeting,” the event tackled a crucial challenge faced by aspiring young leaders in our country.
Uganda, like many other nations, is witnessing a growing surge of young leaders eager to make a positive impact in their communities. However, one major barrier on their path to effective leadership is their limited knowledge of local government budgeting processes and cycles. This knowledge gap has significantly hindered their ability to advocate for and address the pressing concerns of the youth in their districts.
The two-day National Youth Leadership Dialogue brought together an impressive gathering of young leaders from the districts of Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono. Notably, the event also hosted esteemed representatives from local government bodies, policy advocacy organizations, representatives from the National Youth Council and experts well-versed in the workings of the local government budgeting cycle.
During these two intensive days, the youth leaders had the opportunity to dive deep into the inner workings of the national budget and how it directly impacts youth-related issues. They also gained valuable insights into the National Youth Manifesto, a critical policy document that outlines the priorities of Uganda’s youth. This manifesto serves as a blueprint for youth development and ensures that the voices and needs of the young population are heard and respected in government decisions.
One of the highlights of the NYLD was the presence of Hon.Ronald, Member of Parliament for Nakawa who shared his personal journey and underscored the critical role that education played in shaping his path to leadership. Hon. Balimwezo Ronald emphasized the importance of education for all, stressing that the government offers various initiatives that can benefit not only young leaders but also the communities they serve, especially the youth.
In a similar manner, Ivan Otim, a prominent policy advocate with the African Youth Development Link shared insights into the Youth Manifesto. He explained how this vital document guides the allocation of resources in the national budget, aligning them with the priorities of Uganda’s youth. He also engaged young participants in a constructive dialogue, discussing the changes they envision for the national budget in the upcoming financial year based on the fact that some youths do not attend budget meetings to have their voices heard.
The event also was graced by the esteemed presence of Honorable Godfrey, the Speaker from Nakawa division, who underscored that transparency and accountability are the cornerstone principles that drive progress and ensure that the collected taxes contribute to the betterment of the community, thereby empowering the youth and fostering their aspirations.
The National Youth Leadership Dialogue marked a fundamental moment in Uganda’s youth leadership landscape especially for the young people under the Meaningful youth participation program. Not only did it provide a platform for young leaders to come together, learn, and share knowledge, but it also underscored the critical importance of understanding local government budgeting processes. Equipped with this knowledge, these young leaders can become more effective advocates for youth-related issues, ensuring that the voices and needs of the young population are considered when budgets are allocated, and policies are crafted.
Insight:
The National Youth Leadership Dialogue (NYLD), initiated in April 2016 by the collaborative efforts of the Open Space Centre and Action Aid Uganda, was established as a pivotal post-election platform. Its primary objective is to unite elected youth leaders, youth engaged in political parties, special interest youth groups, and dedicated youth activists in a space where they can network, share knowledge, and amplify their voices on critical youth policy issues. The NYLD’s significance for the year 2023 lies in its role as a vital platform that brought together 100 participants, including youth leaders from the Meaningful Youth Participation Project, technocrats, representatives from civil society, and essential development partners. This year’s dialogue, sought to assess the government’s responsiveness to the aspirations and urgent concerns of young people, providing a substantial review two and a half years into the current electoral period.