By Kabuye Ronald
The United Nations Association in Uganda (UNAU) has emphasized the critical need for capacity building and awareness creation on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Uganda’s youth, who make up a staggering 78% of the population.
This call to action was made by Linda Asaba, Programs Manager at UNAU and project coordinator for the Accelerate SDGs initiative, during the conclusion of a two-day Youth Advocacy for SDGs Implementation event in Kampala.
The event, which brought together young leaders from Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, was part of a broader initiative funded by the United Nations Association of Finland. The first day focused on peer-to-peer learning, where participants shared insights and strategies for SDGs implementation from their respective countries. On the second day, the group developed actionable plans to transform their learning into meaningful actions within their communities.
Asaba highlighted the importance of creating accessible platforms for ordinary citizens, especially young people, to contribute to the SDGs. She commended Uganda’s progress in localizing the SDGs, noting their integration into the National Development Plan and Vision 2040. However, she stressed that further efforts are needed to ensure that every youth is equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to play a part in the country’s SDG journey.
“Uganda has done a great job at localizing SDGs, but the resources to ensure that all young people are skilled and knowledgeable remain limited,” Asaba explained. “With 78% of Uganda’s population being youth, it is crucial that we create avenues for them to learn and engage in SDG-related actions.”
Currently, Uganda is averaging a 52% performance rate on the SDGs, with limited resources hindering progress, particularly in youth development. Asaba urged the government and organizations to invest in creating spaces where young people can learn about SDGs, such as integrating them into school curricula.
Winnie Nina Joan Jo, the UNAU Chapter President for Kyambogo University, shared her insights from the workshop. She expressed optimism about her ability to drive SDG localization within her community, emphasizing the importance of youth-led initiatives in promoting sustainable change.
One key takeaway for participants was learning how Tanzanian youth are actively involved in the country’s political agendas, a model that Uganda could adopt to increase youth participation in SDG-related efforts.
Isaac Nasasira, Uganda’s Youth Representative in the Africa United Nations Youth Delegation Program, pointed to youth unemployment and limited access to digital resources as two of the biggest challenges facing young Ugandans today. He called on the government to establish community-based centers equipped with digital tools to enable youth to conduct research and participate in the digital economy.
The Youth Advocacy for SDGs Implementation event provided a platform for young leaders to strategize on ways to drive SDG progress, underscoring the essential role of youth in Uganda’s sustainable development agenda. Asaba’s call to action highlights the need for a concerted effort to build youth capacity, create awareness, and provide the resources necessary for Uganda to make substantial strides in achieving the SDGs.
