By Kabuye Ronald
Youth and refugees in Uganda have been urged to embrace unity, social cohesion and peaceful coexistence to enable them to tap into available socio-economic opportunities and build sustainable livelihoods.
The leaders made the call during the Youth and Refugee Day celebrations held at Makindye Division Urban Council headquarters under the theme: “Strengthening Youth and Refugee Participation in Climate Action and Socio-Economic Opportunities.”
Councillor Maureen Kyomugisha, the Minister for Gender, Community Service and Production at Makindye Division, who represented Division Mayor Yasin Omar, said young people and refugees share a common aspiration of living meaningful lives despite coming from different backgrounds, localities and circumstances.
Kyomugisha emphasized the need for young people to work towards leaving a lasting legacy for future generations while ensuring that everyone has access to opportunities that support sustainable livelihoods and a healthy environment.
She challenged the youth to become a generation that delivers on its aspirations rather than disappoints, urging them to take advantage of the opportunities available to improve their lives and contribute to national development.
“Young people should not be the generation that is going to disappoint, but one that will leave a lasting legacy and aspirations for generations to come, with all young people having opportunities,” she said.
Mukalu Nasifu Abdallah, the Kampala District Youth Councillor under Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), said young people were increasingly moving away from being perceived as dangerous and chaotic towards embracing dialogue and constructive engagement.
Mukalu said the shift has enabled young people to present their concerns through peaceful channels, adding that with proper guidance, they could become effective partners in national development.
He revealed that youth leaders are engaging the government on a proposal to reserve government and local government contracts worth Shs10 million and below exclusively for young people as a way of empowering them economically.
He said the proposed arrangement would enable young people to participate in government procurement, gain business experience and improve their livelihoods.
Mukalu also said refugees were increasingly being included in government programmes, adding that several initiatives had already been established to support them.
He urged refugees to follow up on the available programmes and take advantage of the opportunities to improve their welfare.
Peter Lwanga Mayanja, a probation officer at Makindye Division, who represented the Town Clerk, called on young people to take responsibility for their actions and make good use of their youthful years.
Lwanga expressed concern over some young people who abandon their children, saying parental responsibility is a legal obligation that should not be neglected.
He urged the youth to avoid drug abuse and reckless lifestyles, noting that their youthful years are the most productive period to invest in their future.
“Use your youthful years well because this is the time when you have the energy to work for your future. Do not waste it through drugs and reckless living,” he said.
On refugees, Lwanga noted that Makindye Division hosts the largest refugee communities within KCCA, including Eritreans, Ethiopians, Congolese, Rwandans, Burundians, Somalis, Afghans and South Africans, among others.
He urged the refugees to preserve the peace they have found in Uganda by respecting the country’s laws and embracing peaceful coexistence with the host communities.
“Uganda is a very peaceful and welcoming country. We love to be with you, and our only request is that when you are in Uganda, follow the law. We do not discriminate; we treat you the same. Therefore, follow the law when you are here,” Lwanga said.
He raised concern over cases of underage marriages within some refugee communities, citing instances where 13-year-old girls were allegedly being married off by Eritrean and Somali families.
Lwanga warned that such practices were illegal in Uganda and called for greater awareness of the country’s laws, particularly those protecting children.
The refugees, meanwhile, called for more inclusive opportunities, peaceful coexistence and social cohesion, saying they shared similar aspirations with Ugandans.
They said they wanted an environment where they could live peacefully, work, develop their skills and support their families without discrimination.
The celebrations highlighted the importance of strengthening relationships between young people and refugee communities while promoting their participation in climate action and socio-economic development.
