By Kenneth Arereng
Fort Portal or Kabarole is a beautiful city located in the Western Region of Uganda. It is one of the cleanest cities and the seat of Tooro Kingdom.
From 14th-17th November 2024, over 200 youths from 38 affiliates of National Organization of Trade Unions converged at Destiny International University for the annual youth camp with a theme, “Youth empowerment as a prerequisite for economic transformation”.
In his closing remarks on Sunday, Bigirwa Richard, the Secretary General of NOTU, emphasized the importance of patience, a key driving factor for youth’s development in Uganda.
“There are a lot of opportunities for the youths in the trade union movement but they need to be mentored, so as to avoid Mediocrity , Bigirwa noted”.
Youth Chairperson credits participants
The Camp was overwhelmed by the big turn up of participants, a thing which underscores NOTU’S need to actively engage and co-opt the youths in the labour movement.
To Gideon Olowo, the Youths Chairperson, this is a big achievement for the centre and the affiliate unions.
“Engaging us in union matters is a big milestone for the movement, Olowo said”.
Development Partners Appreciated
NOTU Chairman General Musa Okello highlighted the contribution of development partners who have been instrumental in strengthening capacity building programs for the centre. Some of these partners include; Danish Trade Union Development Agency (DTDA), Enabel,National Social Security Fund and Federation of Uganda Employers. They have fully supported NOTU and continue to do so.
With almost 75% of the global labour and workforce embedded in young workers, it’s imperative to note that the power to bargain lies in the youths.
Hon.Rwakajara receives the nod for worthy contribution
Workers Member of Parliament Hon.Arinaitwe Rwakajara was applauded for being at the forefront of advocating for workers representation at the district level.
Hon.Rwakajara is optimistic that this time around, he is lobbying for more workers representation at the county and sub county levels respectively. This is an area that the youths can tap into and create awareness for the trade union movement.
Another rap for Omu Bwati, Musomesa, Obama and Byaka
The quartet;Hon. Agnes Kunihira, Hon.Margaret Namubiru Rwabushaija Hon. Arinaitwe Rwakajara and Hon.Dr. Abdhulu Byakatonda stood with the youths in the four day camp. They all promised to support future NOTU youths engagements at any level.
Phina Mugerwa Masanyalaze electrifies NOTU executive and MP with Pakachini Moves
Known for her dance moves, popular musician Phina Masanyalaze killed the youths with her electrifying moves that left the NOTU executive in stitches. Hon. Rwakajara could be heard telling Mugabe Moses A.K.A No creature that;”Phina ankutudde naye nsobola”,literally meaning,Phina has broken me but I can handle.
The Notu Executive that had Chairman General Musa Okello, Secretary General Bigirwa Richard and Treasurer Mauku Moses contained the situation by displaying both old style and digital moves, to the excitement of the youths.
Entertainment was one of the special menus served besides the daily training sessions.
At the end of the Youth Camp, it was evident that knowledge regarding Notu, Unionism, Financial Literacy, Social Protection, Labour Laws, Climate Change, Mutual respect policy and Coalition building had been imparted on the participants. It’s now another journey of youth engagement with trade union stakeholders in the country.
