Uganda’s Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, has announced that the national commemoration of International Youth Day (IYD) will be held on Friday, 19th September 2025 in Masindi District, following a rescheduling from the official global date of August 12.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre on Thursday, Barugahara said the change was intended to ensure adequate preparation and wider national participation. The event, he noted, is a crucial moment for Uganda to reflect on the challenges, achievements, and transformative potential of its youth.
“Uganda’s youthful population is not a burden—it is our greatest resource,” he told journalists. “With the right policies and investments, young Ugandans can be the engine that drives economic growth, social transformation, and sustainable development.”
This year’s International Youth Day is being marked globally under the theme “Youth Advancing Multilateral Cooperation through Technology and Partnerships.” Uganda has domesticated the theme to reflect national development goals:
“Youth Advancing Socio-Economic Transformation through Technology and Partnerships.”
Hon. Barugahara emphasized that this localized theme aligns with Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan, which both place youth at the centre of Uganda’s long-term prosperity.
According to the 2024 National Census, Uganda’s population stands at 45.9 million, with: 73.2% below the age of 30; 50.5% aged 17 and under; and 22.7% aged 18–30, as defined in the National Youth Policy
“This demographic is not just a statistic. It is a strategic advantage,” the Minister stressed.
While the country boasts an 82% youth literacy rate, disparities persist: 17% of youth aged 18–30 have never attended school; Secondary school completion remains low; and Karamoja’s literacy trails behind at just 29%, compared to near-universal literacy in Buganda.
Youth continue to face challenges such as unemployment, limited access to capital, and inadequate platforms for innovation. Yet, Barugahara commended young Ugandans for their resilience, noting their impact in sectors like agriculture, ICT, creative industries, green innovation, and civic leadership.
The Minister outlined a range of government programmes targeting youth empowerment, including: Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP), Parish Development Model (PDM) – with 30% of funds allocated to youth enterprises, Youth Venture Capital Fund, Presidential Skilling Initiatives, Emyooga SACCOs, Graduate Volunteer Scheme, Green Jobs Programme, and Youth4Policy & YouthConnekt
In FY 2024/25, the government committed shs58.34 trillion toward national development, with significant investments in ICT, education, agriculture, and entrepreneurship for youth.
Key upcoming initiatives include: launch of the National Youth Innovation Fund, roll-out the Revised National Youth Policy (2025), operationalization of professional youth work frameworks, strengthening of District Youth Councils and mentorship systems, and publication of an Annual Youth Status Report.
The Minister noted that Uganda’s youth are leveraging technology and partnerships to lead socio-economic change.
From innovation hubs and digital skilling centres to youth co-creation labs in partnership with UNDP, he said the government is backing tech-driven solutions across ten districts.
Internationally, young Ugandans are participating in platforms like: African Union Youth Summits, Commonwealth Youth Networks, and UN Youth 2030 Programme.
These engagements have placed Uganda’s youth at the forefront of global development conversations, while contributing to key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as: SDG 1 & 8 – Poverty eradication and decent work; SDG 5 – Gender equality; SDG 9 – Industry, innovation, and infrastructure; SDG 13 – Climate action, and SDG 16 – Peace and strong institutions
“Together, let us recognize the potential of our youth, celebrate their achievements, and recommit to walking alongside them in shaping the Uganda we all desire,” he said.
