It is a common saying that if you want something done, you ought to do it yourself.

The youth in Uganda have oftentimes been a victim of the poor decisions made by the country heads and country representatives. This is because many times, the countrymen representing the youth are not tabling the issues faced by the young people correctly due to the huge gap.

As Open Space, we have come forth to see to it that the gap between decision-makers and representatives is closed – therefore introducing the Meaningful Youth Participation Program #MYPP. The program that sparked off in October 2021 aims at creating effective inclusion in governance and development processes in Uganda. 

This is all in contribution to the Parish Development Model which aims at socio-economic transformation for wealth creation and employment generation at the parish level. In this model, citizens including women, youth, the elderly, and persons with disabilities will access more resources than has been possible under any affirmative program implemented in Uganda.

Our program is focusing on youth leaders from the grassroots levels in the three districts of Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono to acknowledge them on the aspects of local governance, budget transparency, and accountability through various trainings and dialogues which has brought forth several discussions tabling problems and possible solutions to them. 

Since the gap between the decision-makers and youth in the community is also caused by a lack of materials and a common ground where they can meet, discuss, and also keep a record of the issues faced by the youth, we provided “Youth Desks” comprising of tables and chairs, public address systems, face masks, sanitizers, and a logbook that will help in the mobilization process and also record-keeping of the issues and discussions held at the youth offices.