President Yoweri Museveni has appointed former Ugandan Prime Minister Hon Ruhakana Rugunda as Special Envoy to oversee and coordinate the construction of the Afro-Arab Youth Council Headquarters in Uganda.
The new headquarters is expected to become a strategic hub for collaboration between African and Arab youth, promoting peace, unity, innovation, and sustainable development across the two countries.
The appointment was announced ahead of the highly anticipated Afro-Arab Youth Conference (AAYC), scheduled to take place in Uganda from October 7 to 10. The conference will gather over 3,100 young leaders from Africa and the Arab world to engage in youth-driven dialogue and partnerships focused on development and innovation.
Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre on September 3rd 2025, Hon Abbas Byakagaba, Secretary General of the Afro-Arab Youth Council called on Ugandan youth to actively participate and network with their Afro-Arab counterparts.
He referred to the conference as a crucial platform for sharing ideas and advancing a common agenda for continental progress.
“This conference provides a platform for African and Arab youth to exchange ideas and drive forward a common agenda for development. Today’s youth are not only creative but also open to innovation qualities essential for transforming our communities,” Hon Byakagaba stated.
Hon Byakagaba made these remarks on behalf of the Minister for the Presidency, Hon Milly Babalanda.
The headquarters project, currently in its initial development phase, will feature a stadium, hotel, cultural center, and a University of Technology. Architectural designs will be approved at the upcoming summit, with construction expected to commence soon under Hon. Rugunda’s supervision.
As part of the conference activities, international delegates will also tour some of Uganda’s iconic sites, including Kiira Motors Corporation and Busowoko Falls, as a way to promote the country’s tourism and investment potential.
Byakagaba further encouraged young people and other interested individuals to apply online to attend the upcoming event, emphasizing the importance of active participation.
The Deputy Secretary General, Amina Hilmi of Morocco, reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to regional cooperation and youth involvement that accelerate collective efforts to achieve shared development goals as Afro Arabia.
AAYC is an International Organization that unites young people from Africa and the Arab world, aiming to address shared challenges by leveraging on existing connections and similarities. It was established in 2004 in Khartoum, Sudan, following the inaugural Youth Festivals that brought together over 3000 youth from participating countries.
