Masindi District will host this year’s International Youth Day (IYD) celebrations on 19th September 2025,Youth and Children Affairs Minister Hon. Balaam Barugahara has confirmed.
Addressing the media in Kampala, Barugahara said the event is crucial moment for Uganda to reflect on the challenges, achievements, and transformative potential of its youth.
“Uganda’s youthful population is not a burden—it is our greatest resource.With the right policies and investments, young Ugandans can be the engine that drives economic growth, social transformation, and sustainable development.” Balaam said.
According to him,this year’s International Youth Day will be marked globally under the theme “Youth Advancing Multilateral Cooperation through Technology and Partnerships.”
Balaam says Uganda has domesticated the theme to reflect national development goals and vision 2040 and the National Development Plan, which both place youth at the centre of Uganda’s long-term prosperity.
According to the 2024 National Census, Uganda’s population stands at 45.9 million, with: 73.2% below the age of 30; 50.5% aged 17 and under; and 22.7% aged 18–30, as defined in the National Youth Policy
“This demographic is not just a statistic. It is a strategic advantage,” the Minister stressed.
While the country boasts an 82% youth literacy rate, disparities persist: 17% of youth aged 18–30 have never attended school; Secondary school completion remains low; and Karamoja’s literacy trails behind at just 29%, compared to near-universal literacy in Buganda.
The Minister outlined a range of government programmes targeting youth empowerment, including: Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP), Parish Development Model (PDM) – with 30% of funds allocated to youth enterprises, Youth Venture Capital Fund, Presidential Skilling Initiatives, Emyooga SACCOs, Graduate Volunteer Scheme, Green Jobs Programme, and Youth4Policy & YouthConnekt
In FY 2024/25, the government committed shs58.34 trillion toward national development, with significant investments in ICT, education, agriculture, and entrepreneurship for youth.
Commenting about new plans for the youth Balaam said government is ready to launch National Youth Innovation Fund, strengthen District Youth Councils and mentorship systems.
The Minister noted that Uganda’s youth are leveraging technology and partnerships to lead socio-economic change.
“From innovation hubs and digital skilling centres to youth co-creation labs in partnership with UNDP, government is backing tech-driven solutions across ten districts,”he stated.
“Together, let us recognize the potential of our youth, celebrate their achievements, and recommit to walking alongside them in shaping the Uganda we all desire,” he said.
