KAMPALA,Uganda: The National Youth Advocacy Platform (NYAP) has elected a new National Steering Committee for the 2025–2028 term, marking a significant moment for youth leadership and participation in governance.
The newly elected committee includes; Matte Jockas as the new national Chairperson, Deputy National Chairperson is Akeng Stella, Treasurer is Nakamya Moreen, Information and Publicity Secretary is Mugendawala Roman, Representative for Persons With Disabilities is Bukirwa Sarah, Female Representatives are Kakasa Patricia and Rebecca Awati, while National Coordinator is Evelyn Zalwango.
The elections took place during NYAP’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at Canlet Gardens in Nsanbya, Kampala. This year’s AGM focused heavily on leadership transition, strengthening youth participation, accountability, and reviewing organizational policies.
Youth attendees emphasized the importance of the leadership change, describing it as an opportunity for young people to influence their own development. “This change in leadership is crucial because it gives the youth a chance to decide how they want to be led and how they want to develop,” participants noted. “We must embrace such initiatives because they empower us to shape our own destiny.”
Calls for Integrity, Unity, and Reform
NYAP’s Northern Uganda Chairperson, Allan Jackson Aruma, urged the incoming leaders to uphold discipline, unity, and integrity.
“Youth leadership must be built on responsibility and teamwork,” Aruma said. “The new leaders must work together to protect the vision of this platform and deliver real impact to young people.”
Aruma also highlighted several reforms discussed during the AGM, including:
Adjusting the age and academic requirements for leadership positions to better align with national and East African standards, Reviewing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to widen opportunities for youth participation, Encouraging young people to be active in politics—from village councils to national positions.
Aruma, who stepped down after years of service, was appointed to the advisory board of the national steering committee. He urged young people to join NYAP, noting that the platform provides a crucial space for youth voices and leadership development. NYAP operates through Community Integrated Development Initiatives (CIDI), which hosts its central office.
Outgoing Leadership Encourages Accountability
Outgoing NYAP Chairperson Sadat Zaga Ziwa called on the new committee to prioritize transparency and collaboration.
“You have been entrusted with leadership, so work responsibly and hand in hand with all stakeholders for the betterment of this organization,” Ziwa said. “The success of NYAP now depends on how united and committed you remain.”
Ziwa outlined the election process, explaining that candidates picked and submitted nomination forms before being given a platform to present their manifestos. Elections covered both national and regional levels, with regional teams conducting their own internal processes.
He encouraged the new leadership to build on existing strategies, especially those geared toward improving NYAP’s financial sustainability.
“We have created pathways for increased funding. It is now upon the new leaders to implement these strategies and secure more financial support,” he said. “This will enable consistent activities across all regions and strengthen the organizations under NYAP.”
A New Chapter for Youth Empowerment
As the newly elected leaders take office, NYAP members remain optimistic that stronger coordination, increased funding, and renewed energy will improve the platform’s impact nationwide.
The AGM concluded with a call for young people across Uganda to engage actively in NYAP’s programs and use the platform to champion their rights, ideas, and leadership potential.
