In order to develop solution-based youth leaders, Open Space, in collaboration with the British High Commission, held community conversation spaces and a youth desk platform on the 24th, 25th, and 28th respectively, for youth administrators from Makerere 3, Katosi, and Kyaliwajala Parish who had previously participated in the MYP project’;s leadership training.

During the conversation spaces, youth leaders, religious leaders, political leaders, PWD representatives, area leaders, district leaders, and most importantly opinion elders met to discuss the issues limiting the development of young people in their respective communities, which included unemployment, theft, drug abuse, high rates of school dropout, rates of teenage pregnancies, poor health in the areas, poor sanitation, and limited access to national games and sports issues that are highly prioritized by the National Youth Manifesto 2021-26

During the conversation space, the youth leaders were tasked with developing SMART solutions and commitments to ensure that some of these issues are addressed. One Peter from Katosi, a motorcycle entrepreneur, has committed to providing motorcycles to interested parties in order to reduce unemployment.

Leaders were tasked during these conversations, particularly in Makerere 3, to use their positions wisely, learn to position themselves, and add value to whatever they do, excluding monetary intent. 

“Today’s young leaders are predisposed to money; when called to a meeting, all they ask for is allowances; this should change,” said Former Makerere 3 Councilor Steven. 

With resolutions and commitments from various parish leaders, the Open Space secretariat went ahead and handed over the youth desks, which included chairs, a desk, stationary, and a megaphone. 

Through our interactions with the youth leaders during the project’s pilot, completion of the first phase, and implementation of the second, one of the issues raised was a lack of an office where people could gather to share, discuss issues, and plan next steps in their leadership roles.

Furthermore, communication between parish leaders and the people of the community was cut off due to impossibility, which the youth desk is likely to resolve.

CONTEXT:

The Meaningful Youth Participation program is a project aimed at combating the inability of young leaders in local government to participate in governance. Prior to the youth desks and conversational spaces, youth leaders from Makerere 3, Katosi, and Kyaliwajala Parish attended a two-day training at the Eureka Place Hotel, where they received capacity in leadership skills, budgeting and accountability, the Local Government Act, and finally the concept of digital skills and how they can be used effectively in leadership.