Uganda Youth Forum SPECIAL EDITION Magazine
August 2014 Vol. 1 Issue No. 2 www.ugandayouthforum.org UGX 3,000 Youth Potential Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba
Life Skills Unlocking Business the mind set & Health Tips: Stopping Drug Addiction
Edwin Ruyonga’s spiritual struggle Relationships Nursing a broken heart An Empowered Healthy & Focused Youth Editorial Table of Content Letters to the Editor Publisher Uganda Youth Forum Managing Editor Dr. James Magara
Editor-in-Chief Letters to the Editor 3 Leonard Imanishimwe Patron’s Message 4 Guest Editor Eve Barnett Chairman’s Message 5 Editorial Intern. Executive Director’s Message Joan Birungi Tibaijuka 6 Edwin Ruyonga Circulation & Marketing 8 Uganda Youth Forum Youth Representation in Parliament 11 Contributors: Recovery from Addiction by Abdul 16 Dr. James Magara Leonard Imanishimwe Essential life skills 18 Eve Barnett Doreen Karokora N. Barigye Unlocking the Mind Set 19 Elizabeth Nuwe Afidra Robert Buru Father Grimes 21 Julian Sarah Ayesiga Abdul Fatah Yahaya Letter from Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba 25 Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba Mark Kakitahi Challenges Facing Youth Mrs. Olivia Twinamatsiko Mugaba 26 Beverley Nambozo Nsegiyunva Youth Minister - Bunyoro Mwine Mpaka 27 Martha Ainomugisha Mugisa Youth in Western Uganda 28 Publication Consultant UYF Protects the Goal 30 Ms. Robie Kakonge Mob: +256 712 802 332 UYF Alumni Reflection 31 Email: [email protected] Relationships 33 Designer: Building Health Relationships 35 Fred Iga Mob: +256 757 962 895 Service Providers 37 Email: [email protected] UYF Fundraising Dinner 42 UYF Magazine © 2014 All Rights Reserved UYF contacts Plot 12, Malcolm X Avenue, Kololo P.O. Box 24778, Kampala Tel: +256 414 258 682 Fax: +256 414 258 680 Email: [email protected] Letters to the Editor
Editor’s Comments: Dear Readers, we thank you for the overwhelming positive response to the new UYF magazine. We are sharing some of the letters we received, and encourage you to continue writing to us,you’re welcome to submit your own articles for publication to: Plot 12, Malcolm X Avenue, Kololo P. O. Box 24778, Kampala . Email: [email protected]
Congratulations Uganda Youth Forum Dear Editor, I thank you and congratulate Uganda Youth Forum for giving us our own magazine.
John Kavuma Kampala
UYF has listened and learned Dear Editor, True Love Waits UYF has listened and learned about what Dear Editor, the youth care about for more than 20 This year was even more exciting when you years now, thank you for representing launched the new magazine at the forum. our own interests in your new magazine. I was truly inspired by the story about true We look forward to reading more positive love waits in your magazine, and it meant a stories about the youth. lot when Mbabazi Jackson also spoke to us during the forum and brought his family as well. Timothy Kalule Jinja Anita Kuteesa Entebbe
African Inspired fashion Dear Editor, Thank you for the story on fashion, as the youth we must look good, and it was encouraging to see such amazing African inspired fashions from our own Ugandan designer Brenda Maraka. I want to be a fashion designer myself, and hope someday to be in your magazine.
Stella Namazzi Kampala PATRON’S MESSAGE
Commemorating International Youth Day
t gives me great pleasure and honor to Icongratulate young people on the International Youth Day. I want to thank Uganda Youth Forum for producing this special edition magazine in commemoration of this important day. Uganda has over the years seen a rapidly growing young population presenting great opportunities for this nation. Currently about 6.5 million (21.3%) Ugandans are between 18-30 years. The number of young people in Uganda is projected to grow to 7.7million by 2015. The youth have a great potential that needs to be harnessed through knowledge, skilling and productive work. I am happy to note that the Uganda Youth Forum has continued to empower young people in Uganda through creating forums for dialogue and advocacy, economic empowerment and livelihood improvement, promoting access to information and life skills. This special edition of the youth magazine provides a unique opportunity to reach out to the target audience, profile young people making a difference, promote culture and obtain feedback from the young people not only in this nation but also in the world. The destiny of our nation is in our hands, we build it for the better by supporting and empowering our young people. I believe that the youth of this nation are the pillars to the world’s transformation. I appeal to young people to stay away from drugs, teenage pregnancies and HIV/AIDS as these destroy their entire lives. Please stay focused on your studies and careers because you owe a lot to your parents, friends, communities and all those who love and care for you. STAY SAFE, STAY ALIVE AND STAY HOPEFUL remember the world looks up to you for solutions in tackling the social needs and challenges. I want to reaffirm my commitment and continued support to the young people of this nation and my readiness to work with all stakeholders in making Uganda a better place for our young people. Thank you and God bless you. “For God and my Country”
Hon. Janet K. Museveni Founder and Patron
4 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) singles out youth as a key target group. Target 16 of the MDGs is “to develop and implement strategies for decent and productive work for youth.” The 2007 World Development Report published by the World Bank also focuses on youth, signalling a growing awareness among governments, development partners, and civil society about the actual and potential roles youth play in the development process.
In line with Uganda’s International Youth Day theme of “Unlocking Youth Potential for Sustainable Development,” Uganda Youth Forum will continue to invest in programs and ideas that enhance social and economic responsibilities. It will also continue providing opportunities for young people to be the best they can be and lead productive and On behalf of the Board of Directors of transformed lives through life skills trainings, Uganda Youth Forum (UYF), I have the fostering entrepreneurship, creating forums pleasure of inviting our readers to this special for advocacy, and promoting leadership, edition of the Uganda Youth Forum Magazine patriotism and community service. in commemoration of the International Youth Day on August 12, 2014. I sincerely appreciate all those who actively participated in producing this special edition Uganda has the youngest population in the in commemoration of the International Youth world because children below 15 years of Day 2014. Thank you all for your continued age constitute more than 50 percent of the support to Uganda Youth Forum and its population. Uganda’s population is currently activities. growing by about 1 million people per year, and, given the force of this demographic Dr. James Magara momentum, Uganda will see high rates of Chairman, Board of Directors population growth for decades to come.
Uganda’s demographic situation impacts all aspects of its development – from economic growth to quality of education to health care provisions. Governance, political stability, security, and adaptation to climate change are also deeply influenced by the structure of our population. While the large number of young people in Uganda’s population has the potential to become a tremendous asset, Uganda’s youth need opportunities to prosper.
5 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Celebrating and Recognizing the youth
Dear Readers, Warm greetings from Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Secretariat, we welcome you to this Special Edition of the UYF Magazine commemorating the International Youth Day that is celebrated on 12th August annually. We join the rest of the world in congratulating young people on this special day that celebrates and recognizes the youth as a vibrant and key sector of our population. This magazine covers both the International Theme (Youth and Mental Health Matters) and the Local Theme (Unlocking Youth Potential For Sustainable Development). You will read about the life inspiring and impactful story of Edwin Ruyonga’s spiritual struggle; Abdul Fatah’s recovery from drug abuse; life skills and the power of attitude change; the illustrious career of Father Grimes; and ideas on building health relationships. The debate on whether the youth are being effectively represented in Parliament and advice from Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba (PhD) on unlocking youth potential, and list of service providers.
We pay special tribute to our Guest Editor Ms. Eve Barnett from Princeton University for her insight and commitment while working on this magazine.
We thank the contributors for their wonderful and insightful articles, we appreciate the support and feedback since our last magazine and are pleased to have you as a reader of the UYF Special Edition Magazine in Commemoration of the International Youth Day 2014.
With warmest regards,
Leonard Imanishimwe Editor-in-Chief.
6 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 STUDY IN UGANDA AND GRADUATE FROM FRANCE
Prof. Wasswa Balunywa Phd Deputy Chair, ESLSCA Council
MIBA Students celebrating with their lecturer ESLSCA Staff attending to visitors Edwin Ruyonga:
Edwin RuyongaBenches to Blessings thought he was going to die. Shivering as he tried to fall asleep on a random bench in Illinois, United States, he had no where to go and no one to call. He spent most of his time rapping and partying, and his only friends were the bartenders who got him drunk. He decided that, if he made it through the night, he would call the only family member he had not estranged: his cousin who lived in Las Vegas. Ruyonga tried, with varying degrees of success, to let his He eventually slept and, in the morning, made friends’ jabs roll off him. So what if the call. They agreed that he would getting 100% on English tests was move in with her. There were just two “nerdy?” He felt proud, problems. Not only was Las Vegas which was all that halfway across the country from mattered. Illinois, but it is also the “sin city” of America. In secondary school, Ruyonga A young, wild partier moving found friends who to the land of temptation shared his interest in could have been an utter music. They formed a rap disaster. Yet, somehow, crew called Urban Thugs Ruyonga defied the odds and performed during open- and took control of his mic nights at Beviate Bar life, cleaning himself up and and Jokers Sports Bar. In the reconnecting with God. Now, as beginning, they rapped American a devoted born-again Christian lyrics but then started writing their own and popular hip-hop rapper, he lyrics and finding an original sound. is helping reinvigorate Uganda’s music world. As his crew gained confidence, they also gained popularity – and money. Born in 1983 at Kampala’s With wads of shillings in their pockets, Mulago Hospital, Ruyonga was Ruyonga and his crew started partying the oldest of his three siblings. and staying out late with lots of women. As a young boy at Nakasero Eventually, their parents decided it Primary Day School, he was would be better for them to attend overweight and never liked university abroad, away from Kampala’s sports. Rather, he loved to read, bars and beauties. especially the romance series Mills and Boon. He got teased – a Illinois, United States lot – for taking his schoolwork so seriously. How could he possibly Ruyonga went to Champaign, Illinois, prefer doing math problems to playing outside? United States to study graphic design and 8 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 live with his uncle, a professor at the University of Illinois. After deciding to move in with his cousin, he bought the He felt overwhelmed at first. People actually dressed in cheapest bus ticket he could find with the last few dollars all-black, goth outfits and pierce their tongues, not just he had. Before he boarded, he asked God to help him do in movies? It also took time to adjust to the University what seemed impossible: thrive – not just survive – in of Illinois. In Uganda, his classes covered many different America’s city of sin. Sometime during the 30-hour ride, areas and gave him a wide base of general knowledge. But Ruyonga dropped his pack of cigarettes and never picked in America, he found that students pick one focus and take them up. specialized courses in that area so, when they graduate, they can turn their passion into a profession. His life changed at that moment.
To deal with his loneliness and confusion, Ruyonga Las Vegas, United States immersed himself in the school’s arts programs and Champaign’s music scene. He performed live for the first When he arrived in Vegas, he stopped performing and time at a bar called Nargile and,despite the huge butterflies partying. He started going to church with his cousin and in his stomach, ended up “blowing people away.” talking to God. He felt like the people in the congregation Afterwards, a record label owner offered to help him put out were on his side, “in the fight with him, not against him” – his first label – a dream come true for Ruyonga. and loved it. He became more involved in church activities and went to services so often that his pastor bought him Together, they produced Raisin in the Sun, a social- a bike to ease the eight-mile commute. When his church political album exploring the relationship between African- moved to a new plot of land, he helped build the sanctuary Americans and American-Africans. From there, his music and, when it was up and running, organized the music. To career skyrocketed. He opened for The Roots and Lupe Ruyonga, church “became home, became family.” Fiasco, two big names in America’s music world. Radio stations played his music, bars welcomed him. He made “God got me out of my downward spiral,” he realized. Once $1000 for one-hour performances, and fans stopped him he started talking with God, he stopped wanting to be drunk on the streets to take his picture. and high. He learned that, regardless of his transgressions, “God had always been there for me – and always will.” But his personal life was spiraling out of control. “Struggling spiritually,” he found himself caught in the “dysfunctional, Kampala, Uganda jacked up music scene” where doing cocaine, smoking, drinking, and sleeping around were normalized – glorified, Committed to living as a man of God, Ruyonga returned even. The more he partied, the more distant he became to Uganda in 2011. He planned to stay away from music from everyone home in Uganda. His parents’ morals, which and, instead, focus on mending the family bonds he had used to guide his life, suddenly felt foreign and irrelevant. shattered. However, in his free time, he ended up writing a He rationalized his lifestyle, telling himself that, if he could song called “Pissa”and realized that “music is spiritual to make more money in one hour than his family could in me. It is my life and soul. It’s part of my relationship with three weeks, he must be doing life “right.” God and not what I want to suppress.” Since then, he has produced two successful albums and the soundtrack for He now knows that he was not. a Nelson Mandela-inspired documentary. He is currently working on his third album. Ruyonga never saved any of the money he made. Between exotic drugs, fancy drinks, and $300-a-night hotel rooms, he spent everything he earned. And, suddenly, he found himself on that random bench in Illinois, wondering if he would die freezing and alone.
9 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 Though Ruyonga has brought his fast and grounded sound back to Kampala, he has traded in lyrics about parties and sex for more family-oriented messages. In his song “Tutuuse,” Ruyonga raps: “Sorry, we’re monogamous over here, Mami.” In “Muhuliire?” Ruyonga says: “And ain’t a current sin that exists bigger than forgiveness” in one verse and “Yeah I’m done with the liquor and the dro” in a later verse. Ruyonga knows that he has made mistakes along the way and will never be perfect. But he believes that, as long as he keeps talking to God and taking ownership of his flaws, that’s okay.
In honor of this year’s Youth International Day, Ruyonga wants to share with young people a Biblical verse that continually inspires him to be a better man:
“But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
by Eve Barnett [email protected]
From Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and these things will be given to you as well.”
10 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 Youth Representation in Parliament: Effective or Not? Since promulgation of the 1995 constitution, the youth are one special group that have been given special representation in Parliament. Currently five members represent the youth constituency in Parliament. The question is, “ How effective has this representation been in tackling youth issues in Parliament?” What are your views on Youth Representation in Parliament? Has it been effective?
Hon.Gerald Karuhanga: Today, the youth constitute 78 percent of Uganda’s total population. As such, the youth legislators constitute 60 percent of the 9th Parliament. We formed an advocacy forum, called the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Youth Affairs, with the mandate of making and monitoring the implementation of existing and new policies regarding youth. Our representation in Parliament as Youth Members of Parliament (MPs) has been effective because we have raised several debates about the accountability of public Hon. Karuhanga Gerald, funds; we have saved the government from “ghost public servants”; Member of Parliament Youth Western Region. and we have also recommended the Youth Capital Venture fund.
Hon.Evelyn Anite: Yes, due to affirmative action, youth representatives in Parliament have been respected because we are the youth voice. The youth are over 75 percent of the population of our country, so our ability to demand, lobby, and speak on their behalf has led to policy changes in their favor. There are between 25 and 30 young Members of Parliament, but they cannot advocate for youth policies because of their constituency allegiances. Therefore, our role as designated Youth MPs is definite: to advocate for what belongs to the youth in all government programs.
For example, if Youth MPs were not in the 9th Parliament, we would Hon. Evelyn Anite, not have the Youth Capital Venture Fund. It took energy and pressure Member of Parliament to establish the Capital Venture Fund, but, today, young people are Youth Northern Region benefitting financially from it. We also advocated for the Youth Livelihood Program. Different conditions were changed when we, as Youth MPs, gave our views to suit the local youth and Mr. Pius Bigirimana, the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development. Mr. Pius Bigirimana was very helpful and involved us because he knew that, since we are with our young people most of the time, we know our young people better. I thank the President H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for allowing the program to cater to youth in many different communities. The vigilant youth in the
11 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 pilot areas are also benefitting from it. Youth representation faces challenges, though. For example, there are only five Youth MPs, but the youth are the largest percentage of our population. This indicates that the representation is not enough. I would suggest that the government have youth representatives from sub- regions rather than just regions. For example, I represent 26 districts, but, because of a lack of facilities, I am not able to traverse them all. Therefore, for some districts, I play an oversight role through phone calls to sub-regional levels. Many young people have helped me advocate in this way.
Solomon Mayanja: Uganda’s population is estimated at 35 million people, and 78 percent of this population is youth. But the youth are represented by just five MPs. The people with disabilities are 1.2 percent of the population but also represented by five MPs. This kind of representation cannot be effective and is a disservice to the youth. More youth representation is needed in Parliament. There should be atleast 10 members so that each region has both a male Solomon Mayanja, 28years, and female representative to both balance gender and incorporate Councilor MUK, KCCA Kawempe the “hard to reach” areas. Urban Council; Secretary Labour Affairs Kampala Youth Council; Youth representation in Parliament has so far disappointed us. The Youth Pastor, Kawempe Worship Youth MPs are supposed to work through the Youth Council structures Centre. but these are not favored financially. The National Executive Youth Councils are funded for major events like the International Youth Day celebrations but not their day-to-day activities in the communities, which therefore reduces their reach. This absence of funding has hurt the quality of feedback on youth issues. For example, in Bwaise, there was a big problem of males as young as nine years old engaging in homosexuality because of poverty and lack of hope for meals and shelter. Our Youth MPs did not know this because, if they did, they would have found solutions for such children.
Mark Kabonero: Youth representation has not been as effective as I had expected because, between their private lives and businesses, the five Youth MPs have a lot on their plates and less time for their constituencies and for district level leadership. The youth MPs are young and energetic, so they should, therefore, be able to continually travel to the furthest areas of their constituencies and find out issues on the ground, not just visit the towns. These are the issues they should find solutions for. For example, we even have a Ministry for Youth and Children affairs, but are they getting this Mark Kabonero, 27years,Operations Manager Ministry’s input? PKPF Consultants.
This problem is also rooted in the lifestyles of the youth today. Their desire for easy money and tendency to spend it very fast on social issues impact their business investments and re- investments. The youth leadership in Parliament should organize financial literacy programs to help young plan around what they will earn and how they will save enough money to invest.
12 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 Do we still need youth, women, and other special interest groups to be represented in Parliament?
Hon. Gerald Karuhanga: Yes, we do.The special interest groups also have needs that should be provided by the government.
Hon. Evelyn Anite: Yes, we do. Whenever I go in my region, the youth applaud the President for giving them an opportunity to be represented in Parliament. Their views and issues have been heard and something has been done.
Solomon Mayanja: Yes, we need representation of special groups in Parliament that is proportionate with the population. We should be able to see the government providing for us based on our major needs, not just what our leaders think is best for us.
Mark Kabonero: We definitely do, but the representatives should be capacity-built, proactive, and innovative. They need to do more than just wait for the government to work out policies favorable to their groups.
Over 83 percent of the Ugandan graduates are unemployed, what are the causes of this problem? How can this problem be solved?
Hon. Gerald Karuhanga: The government should be accountable and invest in industrial and enterprising ventures to address inadequacies in the education sector. Such investments would tremendously reduce unemployment-related issues. Our society has for a long time caused employment levels by emphasizing young job seekers’ “class papers” rather than skills, ability, and experience.
Hon. Evelyn Anite: The problem relates to attitude, and I advise young people to start getting involved in the agriculture sector. If the government reduces the interest on agricultural loans, then there will be flexibility for young people on paying back these loans, which would trigger interest in more young people to take up agricultural work. This, in turn, would reduce unemployment.
13 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 Solomon Mayanja: Youth do not get guidance on how to avoid poverty. Most youth have development ideas, but we are like “orphans” because we do not haveanyone showing us the way. Our Youth MPs have gotten exposure and should bring back examples and fresh ideas about managing unemployment. The government should create a mentorship and leadership program for every young person to go through after high school. A program like this will make them accountable for their actions and leadership. The Youth MPs should also go through this program. However, I believe there is a bigger problem than just unemployment. We have lost the foundation of our nation that was built on the motto: “For God and my Country.” We should go back to God because religion impactsthe ethics of our country as a whole. We, the young people in our state of hopelessness, need our fellow role model youth, not just old people, to speak hope to us so we can relate to them. This is a call to my fellow youth leaders. Let us understand the foundation of our country and organize around our family values. Let us havehope and speak it to the community youth so we canrise up to make a great nation. Remember politics is not just a career to earn from but, instead,a service where one denies oneself for the sake of others.
Mark Kabonero:The youth today are innovative and have so many ideas but lack the advice, opportunity, drive, ambition, and capital necessary to start different businesses. Our youth leadership should take the mantle and seek programs that help the government supplement the income of youth who are ready to start businesses.
On this year’s International Youth Day, what Advice do you have for the Youth to unlock their potential and contribute to the development of Uganda?
Hon. Gerald Karuhanga: I advise my fellow young people to take the bull by its horns and face the many challenges of today. Let us engage and ensure accountability for our money. When services are paid, do we demand accountability? Do we engage? Let us not just sit. If we wake up, this country can become one of the greatest in a few years. Our future generations shall look back at us with grateful hearts because they will have it all.
Hon. Evelyn Anite: The youth should have a push for development because the future belongs to us. We have a lot of work to do in terms of teaching our peers to be more patriotic. At the end of the day, we can develop our country by doing good things for ourselves like respecting each other, building nice homes, being educated, owning farms and businesses. Every single person has the capacity to achieve his or her dreams and goals. The only problem is that we do not want to get out of the box. We should take the first step and believe that, “we can do it.” We also need to know that God has given us all we need in life and his mercies are very sufficient. Therefore, it is up to us to take that first step. Close your eyes, think of what you want to be, unlock your brains. The sky is the foundation.
14 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 Youth Representation in Parliament
The Bible says in Matthew 7:7 “Ask and God will give to you, Seek and you will find and Knock and the door will open for you.” Indeed, you shall receive if you ask, seek, and knock. God has never let me down whenever I have asked for anything. He can do it for you, too. Do not despair; rather, work hard towards your dream. God Bless You.
Solomon Mayanja: As a young man who had been disowned by his parents at a tender age, I advise you to not lose hope. Who am I that I can also help other young people in the same situation today? I am a proprietor of Kuza Primary School in Kawempe and a youth leader in KCCA, but, if I didn’t come out to beat the odds with Christ as my savior, then all the young people I have helped would not have been reached.
We need to know that calamities can opportunities to become better. If more people with testimonies would take up the mantle of leadership, Uganda would be different. As the youth of today, we should stand in the gap and make Uganda a better place and never despise a humble beginning!
Mark Kabonero: To my fellow youth: • Don’t give up on your ideas. • Do things that you have passion for and do them to the best of your ability. • Don’t rush for quick money. Grow your businesses over time. • Save up to get the good things in life, and take it like a culture because, if you don’t, you will only have satisfaction in the short term but be “broke” in the long term. • Be responsible and prioritize. Avoid drugs, alcohol, and irresponsible sex because they increase HIV rates. Irresponsibility can kill you. • Prioritize and plan your life for “perfection.” Be aware of risks. • Socialize and meet people who support your business. • Build a reputation. • To my youth representatives in Parliament: • Come up and start innovative projects related to the community youth’s needs that will help them fight poverty. • Avoid corruption because it is the root of all destruction.
By Doreen N. Karokora. Barigye Programs Administrator [email protected]
15 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 Health My Recovery from Addiction time. I became ‘m Abdul Fatah Yahaya, a nuisance and I am a recovered and smoked Iaddict. openly in public. I started and I am 25 years and the last- ended my days born in a Muslim family of with alcohol. 12, and I was brought up by My debts a single parent because my accumulated. dad died when i was starting I owed bars Secondary School. a total of 2.6 million shillings, My addiction to drugs and and I had big alcohol started back in hospital bills 2010 when i was doing my since I was a A Level at Kibuli Secondary routine patient. School. An Indian friend of mine introduced me to I also developed the substances. Before I problems with knew it, we were a group my family. In of eight people practicing fact, I fought drugs together. I became with one of so addicted that I could not read without taking my brothers when he tried to talk to me about some. Because I was a prefect in charge of changing my habits. I became the black sheep discipline at Kibuli, it was easy for me to walk in of my family,which was a respectable one with a and out of school, using the money our group strong Islamic foundation. To try to help me, my had collected to buy a box of drugs. At the time, family sent me home to Kasese to see my mom a box cost about 3,200 shillings. in 2012. I thought I was going to be there for a few days and return after one week, but I stayed Towards the end of my time in high school, I got much longer. a girlfriend, the sister of a friend of mine. I was so in love with her that I could not wait for vacation I became a public nuisance in Kasese, too. I so we could have time together. I had a job, too, drank and left debts in bars. I got into a terrible but I dedicated Thursdays-Sundays to bars. I accident and have a big scar on my chin to accumulated debts at many different bars since show for it. One morning, my mom woke me beers and spirits were so expensive. up and told me she was sending me back to Kampala because she had been a respected In my second year on campus, my girlfriend member of the community and I was causing called and informed me that she was leaving the nothing but trouble. country. I tried to call her again and, even though her phone was off, I persisted on calling for days. At first, I celebrated because I thought I was Eventually, I lost hope completely and became an going to be able to do my usual thing without even bigger party animal. any reproach. But my mom boarded the bus with me, and I felt uneasy. When we reached I dropped out of school. I tried to commit suicide home in Kampala, a big family meeting was three times, but my roommates saved me each waiting for us. I sat in the meeting and could
16 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 time. I became a nuisance and smoked openly I sat in the meeting and could not say anything in public. I started and ended my days with to defend myself. I had no confidence. alcohol.My debts accumulated. I owed bars a total of 2.6 million shillings, and I had big My turning point came in 2013, although I did hospital bills since I was a routine patient. not appreciate it at the time. My family decided to take me to a rehabilitation center. They I also developed problems with my family. In packed my bags, told me I was going to see a fact, I fought with one of my brothers when he counselor, and drove me down Entebbe Road tried to talk to me about changing my habits. to a serenity center called Namulanda. It was I became the black sheep of my family,which heavily guarded by security men and looked at was a respectable one with a strong Islamic first like it had no life. foundation. To try to help me, my family sent me home to Kasese to see my mom in 2012. I I talked to a counselor first and then had a thought I was going to be there for a few days joint meeting with the counselor and my family. and return after one week, but I stayed much They decided I would stay at the center for longer. five days. I pleaded with them because I could not imagine staying in a place without a drink. I became a public nuisance in Kasese, too. I My mom got my suitcase from the car, and I drank and left debts in bars. I got into a terrible was left speechless. When they searched my accident and have a big scar on my chin to show suitcase and me, they found empty sachets of for it. One morning, my mom woke me up and Uganda Waragi in my pockets and suitcase. I told me she was sending me back to Kampala felt so ashamed. because she had been a respected member of the community and I was causing nothing but My first days at Namulanda were characterized trouble. by nightmares, withdrawal syndrome, and no appetite. But with time, I developed an appetite At first, I celebrated because I thought I was and eventually gained 25 kg. With the help of going to be able to do my usual thing without my counselor, I rediscovered myself. I quickly any reproach. But my mom boarded the bus with took up leadership responsibilities at the center me, and I felt uneasy. When we reached home in and became friends with my colleagues. Even Kampala, a big family meeting was waiting for us. though we were from different age groups, we shared the same struggle: addiction. I used my free time to read, meditate, and write in my journal. My counselor helped me identify Abdul’s what had led to my addiction: the way I hid my advice emotions, ignored things that hurt my feelings,
My advice to young people comes from these lessons. I want to remind young people to make good friends who will support them and to stay near to God. I think young people should read as much as they can since there are so many lessons they can learn from books.
I also think the government can reduce addictions by restricting and regulating the cheap alcohol available in the market. There should be a spirited sensitization drive against alcohol just like the government ran for HIV/AIDS. I hope changes like these can help prevent young people from developing the same problems. I did.
17 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 FEATURES
Essential Life Skills Life skills are very important in leading productive lives, and we cannot do without them. We learn some of these skills from our communities. Others we adopt as we grow up and face our destinies. In business specifically, life skills can help us solve all of the challenges we will inevitably face. Here are some of the most important skills we need to succeed professionally:
• Creative thinking and critical thinking: Think deeply about why, how, where, what, and when you are going to operate the business. • Effective communication and interpersonal consideration: Attract and keep customers by speaking a language they understand. Relating to them like this will lead into friendship and, hopefully, a commitment to your business products. • Ability to cope with stress and emotions: Understand different customers’ characters to avoid misunderstandings, which, in turn, will help with non-violent conflict resolution. • Self-esteem and assertiveness: Know what, how, and when you want something. Understanding your strength and weakness will help build your esteem and ability to make good decisions. • Problem solving and negotiation: Negotiate with customers to create a mutual ground for both parties. Showing that you understand your customers is helpful in avoiding problems with them and sustaining them in the long term. • Each of these skills is necessary to run a successful business, though you will have to combine many of them to solve most challenges. Let’s look at a few ways we can apply these life skills to overcome the obstacles related to starting and sustaining a business. • Be honest and try to understand who you are. Thinking about what you know and what your skills are can help point you to the ideal business. These questions will help you consider different businesses: What you want to do? When you want to do it? How will it be done? What you need to do it? Where you will do it?
Plan ahead to prepare for any challenges you might face. Realistic planning involves a close analysis of the resources that are available to you, your past experiences, and your future goals.
It is also important to focus your energy on high priority business activities by aligning your daily tasks with these long-term objectives and creating a productive working environment for your team. To be a good team leader of your team, you should make sure others understand and share the business vision, communicate openly to all members and encourage participatory decision-making, and help the team develop a sense of pride in its work.
Lastly, to become the businessman or businesswoman you have always wanted, you need to act now and allow time to experiment, reflect, and improve.
By Afidra Robert Buru [email protected]
18 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 Features Unlocking the mindset: the power of attitude change
Proverbs 23:7 reminds us: “As a man thinks in and cannot change. his heart, so is he.” Success in life is 80 percent • Wrong scriptural interpretations: We attitude, 10 percent skills and knowledge, and may internalize flawed interpretations like 10 percent environment. The most important “Blessed are the poor” or “It is easier for a factor, attitude determines and shapes our will, camel to go through a needle’s eye.” decision-making, and course of action. Let’s • Peer influence: We may think and act look at some important questions related to based the company we keep. attitude. • Educational emphases: We may follow the values our education system emphasize What is attitude? and seek employment but look down on • Attitude consists of our thoughts, feelings, certain types of work. mindset, opinions, and behavior towards • Cultural biases: We may be culturally an idea, process, person, or thing. conditioned to be negative about some • Attitude can be positive or negative. parts of life. • Positive attitudes have a “can do, it’s possible” outlook. • Negative attitudes have a “can’t do, it’s impossible” outlook.
Why is attitude important? • Attitude defines our ability to accomplish certain things. • Attitude limits or expands our abilities. • Attitude informs our decisions about life, work, and business. • Attitude determines the people with whom we associate.
What do we gain from developing positive attitudes? • We become creative, responsible, and accountable problem-solvers. • We become optimistic and inspired to accomplish our goals. • We become persistent and resilient. • We become part of the solution, not the problem.
Why might we develop a negative attitude? • Historical patterns: We may believe that things have always been this way
19 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 Features
Environmental pressures: We may feel pressure to make decisions based on our available resources.
What can we do to change our attitude? • Be honest during self-examinations: Reflect thoughtfully on your attitude about certain people, things, places, and issues. • Don’t wait: Timing will never be right. Start right now. • Recognize a need to change: Do not massage your attitude and turn it into an excuse. Accept that you might have a problem and need to change. • Evaluate your performance: Set specific goals and measure yourself against them. • Make changes: Take steps to surround yourself with supportive, like-minded friends. • Be a lifelong learner: You will never know everything at any one time. Learn from people, read, association, and network. Doing so will enable you see things differently.
By Afidra Robert Buru [email protected]
20 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 Features Father Grimes A Life of Innovation and Inspiration
At the Grand Opening of Aristoc Bookshop on Kampala Road, the founder Mrs. Margaret Katende told the crowd that her inspiration came from Father Grimes, a beloved former teacher. He always complained about the need for more bookstores in Uganda, she explained, and she wanted to provide one. Years later, her bookstore is the largest in the country and gives countless readers access to new, fresh literature.
Her story reflects just one of the many ways Father Grimes has left his mark on a generation of Ugandans. A Catholic Priest committed to helping young people develop strong morals, Fr.Grimes has worked in Uganda for over fifty years as a teacher, coach, and mentor. Along the way, he has changed the education system and proven that empowered students can – and will – propel the country forward.
Fr. Grimes’ story begins in Yorkshire, England. He grew up in a devout Catholic home and decided at a young age to become a priest. After joining a missionary in England, studying Philosophy in Holland then Theology in England, becoming ordained in England, and training to be a teacher in Scotland, Father Grimes was sent to work at the Namilyango School in Uganda. He had not intended to become a teacher in Uganda, but he had taken an oath of obedience to the Church and enthusiastically accepted his assignment. He knew a great adventure awaited him.
Once in the Pearl of Africa, he worked as the Acting Deputy of the Namilyango School. He
21 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 Features quickly immersed himself in local activities. Yet Namasagali began to garner respect for At Namilyango, he taught History and English various reasons. For one, many of Uganda’s and became involved in its boxing program. best young boxers – who trained under As a coach and referee, Fr.Grimes started Fr.Grimes at Namilyango – moved to his new appreciating all the “terrific” benefits of school for A Level, which drew considerable boxing, which, as he says, can turn “young attention to the institution. men into real gentlemen, powerful physically but gentle in approach.” He also held adult Fr.Grimes also established a dance education classes around Kampala and curriculum to engage female students. After served as Secretary of Uganda’s Historical watching lanky boxers grow into confident, Association. conscientious men, he knew the power of physical activity. In other words, he believed After 7 years at the Namilyango School, he that “self-confidence in any particular field moved to the remote area of Busoga to be can transfer to competence in other studies, Headmaster of Namasagali College.When [making] students conscious of themselves he arrived, Fr.Grimes felt a bit discouraged. as people who could accomplish things.” The school building, converted from an Eventually, Namasagali’s dance program abandoned railway station, was dilapidated surpassed expectations and became – a stark contrast from his well-functioning nationally acclaimed. Before he knew it, previous school. But with time, Fr.Grimes Fr.Grimes’ dancers were performing annual turned the run-down place into an academic musicals in Uganda’s National Theater, oasis. touring the country semi-professionally, and appearing on the British Broadcasting Namasagali College did not, however, Channel (BBC). gain respect all at one. Fr.Grimes instituted educational practices and systems that In addition, Fr.Grimes emphasized the had never been tried in Uganda.Based on importance of making leisure time productive. own Jesuit schooling, he believed that a He noticed that the local culturedid not well-rounded education involves more than emphasize private reading, which prevented Biology and Algebra. Rather, students should people from reaching their full potential. He experience Literature, Music, Dance, and Art. told his students: “The only way you can Step by step, he put new programs into place achieve what you are doing is by spending and watched them grow. time alone, studying, reading.” Accordingly, he made students read independently for two First, he created his own Advanced Level (A hours every day. Level) program. Since placements in other Ugandan A Levels programs were rare,he Fr.Grimes also instituted a new discipline wanted to give all students in Namasagali the system. He created a “cabinet system of chance to continue after Ordinary Level (O responsibility,” dividing authority among Level). He wrote an A Level curriculum himself groups of students. The prefects, called and lowered the academic qualifications for “reeves” in honor of the popular musician Jim admission to attract a wider range of students. Reeves, acted like the police; they identified He also included female students, making rule-breakers and brought them before Namasagli one of the few coed boarding the judges. In turn, the judges assessed schools in Africa. the infractions and allotted appropriate punishments. At first, other academics doubted that a coed residential school located in such a rural area Despite all the skeptics and nay-sayers, could successfully offer A Level tostudents. Fr.Grimes’ ideas proved effective, and
22 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 Features
Namasagali College became a well-renowned institution. Over the course of his 33-year tenure, Fr.Grimes helped teach and train Q & A with about six thousand Ugandans. Today, many of his students hold prominent, influential offices in Uganda. For example, the Speaker Father Grimes of Parliament Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, the During Father Grimes’ most recent visit, the Minister of Ethics and Integrity Fr. Simon Uganda Youth Forum had the opportunity to Lokodo, the CEO of New Vision Mr. Robert sit down with him and hear his perspective on Kabushenga, and the owner of Protea Hotel some big challenges confronting young people Mr. Patrick Bitature are all former students. today.
Although Fr.Grimes no longer works as The theme for this year’s Youth International Day Headmaster of Namasagali College, he is Youth and Mental Health. What do you think continues to work with Ugandan youth. Every is the biggest mental health issue facing young June, he returns to Uganda from Britain to run people right now? a multi-week life skills course and provides I am not an expert in this subject, but I think participants with “a condensed Namasagali a lack of self-esteem may be the root of most experience.”Students, for example, work mental health issues. on building confidence through dance workshops, learning new leisure activities How can young people foster more self-esteem with chess lessons, and honing life skills in and confidence? public speaking sessions. He is also writing a It is important to learn to value the human book about his educational philosophy in the person. Catholicism tells us that we were each hopes that future generations will carry on his created in God’s image and have some specific legacy. mission to achieve in our lives. Recognizing that we are responsible for accomplishing With his storied career, Fr.Grimes has many this mission can be wonderfully inspiring and reasons to be proud, and he takes special empowering. happiness in “the fact that my students continue to stay in contact with me, even 15 I also agree with G.K. Chessteron who said, “if years after my retirement.” And it seems that a thing is worth doing, its worth doing badly.” his students – from those whose children he We cannot allow worries that we won’t do baptized to those who opened bookshops something perfectly to hold us back. We need with him in mind – continue to be inspired by to do the best we can and substitute positive him. thoughts for negative ones.
What is the best way for young people to begin By Eve Barnett their job searches? [email protected] I used to give my students this advice: hang around a place where you might be helpful, don’t be bothered about being paid, ask if you can help, and pick up small tasks like changing tires or undoing little screws somewhere. After some time, people will find you helpful and, if you talk about leaving, will want you to stay so much that they will pay you.
23 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 Features
What should young people keep in mind during their job searches? Do you have any advice for a young people starting Be honest. If you are good at what you do to date? and honest, the world will beat a path to your There are a few basic principles to keep in mind. door. Integrity goes a long way. Young people should not put themselves in a situation where something bad could happen. If you are having coffee with someone, have it What can young people do to improve their in a coffee shop rather than someone’s room to interview skills? Young people should work to gain comfort prevent human nature from taking its course. talking to adults and communicating Additionally, young people should consider respectfully with elders. I think young people their reputations and be sure not to give off the can feel isolated, so it is important to open wrong impression. up and practice talking with adults. Also, here is a parable I’ve invented and used to tell to my female students: A girl’s personality is What can young people do to improve their like a beautiful garden with flowers and streams computer skills? My advice is simple: go and take a course and blossoms, but the garden is locked. You on it. should open the gate eventually when you find someone you can trust and want to share your life with. Otherwise you should keep the What can young people do to improve their garden locked. If you open it to ever passerby, entrepreneurial skills? Entrepreneurial skills require creativity, and it will get trampled and you will have an awful creativity is developed by leisure activities. mess in your garden. Leisure activities like reading, playing chess, or working through puzzles require people Do you have any advice for young people nursing to be creative and promote growth of the a broken heart? subconscious. I recommend people schedule Give it time and be careful to think positive an “artistic date” for themselves every week and not believe that you are being rejected in which they focus on doing something new. because you are not good. Chances are the other person was not good for you. How can young people learn to start saving money and investing? I always say: save 10% of what you get, By Eve Barnett no matter what. Also, be careful not to take [email protected] something that you cannot afford on the spot.
24 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 UNLOCKING YOUTH POTENTIAL Advice from Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba (Ph.D), Lecturer Makerere University, Managing
On this year’s International Youth Day, i advise the youth to ably participate and make a contribution to the development of Uganda. Currently the youth unemployment rate is at 83% because of a mismatch between the people offering and the areas young people are skilled in. In the short run, this problem can be solved by affirmative action in the form of specific training in elementary skills. These trainings can be modified into short, week long courses in fundamentals and basics like Jua kali, piggery, cattle farming and chicken rearing so that everyone can benefit from the Youth Livelihood Program. In the long run, there is a need to completely overhaul the education system. I propose the government establish a policy on Dual Qualification Framework for university students. For example, a student can study Bachelor of Economics and complete a skills-based course (Diploma) in Works and Maintenance. Youth need to know that education is important but that we earn by selling our skills. The main problem Ugandan youth face is not a lack of capital to start projects and businesses. Rather, the problem is their attitude. Most young people today live in self-denial and self-hatred, which won’t lead them anywhere. For example, some believe they have “arrived” just by getting a diploma or degree, and they expect to get white-collar jobs instead of venturing into agriculture. Others feel they should be more westernized, and some children cannot speak their mother tongue today because their parents think it’s not fashionable to speak your mother tongue. How will these children appreciate themselves and their country – let alone develop it – if they don’t know or “For the young people to be successful and develop, they love themselves? should love themselves. Start with yourself and then get help from outside to propel you to the next level.” I advise youth (Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba (Ph.D)) to have role models. They should not just emulate their role models wholesomely. Rather, they should copy their role models’ strong points to make themselves better and different. This will help the youth appreciate, not envy, people; we will build each other to become successful. I also advise the youth to seek guidance and not just do or use what is available. Rather, they should do what they like and have appropriate skills for. For example, I have a special liking for reading and learning and want to be useful in many sectors at the same time. I am, therefore, going to study for my sixth degree even though I just graduated with an MBA last year. Today, lack of land and the increased interest rates from banks make it hard for youth to access affordable finances, which causes hopelessness and unemployment woes. I advise the government to set policies with special consideration to developing the Agricultural sector by intervening and decreasing interest rates on loans in order to help youth venture into agriculture. A clear land policy that emphasizes land utilization would also solve issues related to land accessibility.
As told to Doreen N. Karokora. Barigye Programs Administrator [email protected]
25 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 Challenges Facing Youth in Western Uganda
to encourage more transparency in implementation of some of these projects to help reduce the vices involved in the implementation process and to also involve the youth more in some decision making that concerns their well being especially youth leaders.
The other problem Youth of Uganda today are facing ids drug abuse. Drugs have spread so quickly and there is no group of students using them (at least one). As we all know todays drug addict is a young male/ female who is well dressed, has a car, may be even educated, has a family, etc. MWINE MPAKA I would therefore thank the Government Many of our young people are without hope, of Uganda and other non-governmental discouraged and depressed to the point institutions, leaders, parents for the effort they where they are suicidal. They look at the have dedicated to helping the youth stop this world around them and they see no hope for bad practice. However I urge the government the future. Look no further unemployment is to divert more at its resources on prevention the real major problem then they come out of rather than cure. This is a case where police high school, university, institutions there is no raids a slum for example and over 40 youths guarantee for a job or career. involved in drug abuse in an operation that That being said youth in Uganda have the costs a lot of money. Which could be a good highest percentage of unemployment 62% in method to prevent crime by removing such reference of a report published in February people but I would look at this personally as 2013. It is also on record that Uganda has the cosmetic behavior and the real problem is youngest population in the indicators of the unemployment. Therefore the government if level of vulnerability the youth face today in possible should divert at least 70% of these Uganda. resources used to help solve the real problem It is also this unemployment level that has at hand. led to poverty amongst the youth and denied them the opportunity to be active participants I will give an example of developed countries in determining their future. Further more in like Netherlands and America who have the face of their overwhelming majority they created on Electronic National ID for their still don’t enjoy proper representation and livestock namely cattle. This ID keeps participation in decision making process. records of place of birth, location, vaccination However I would like to thank the current information, age, etc. both past and present Government of the Republic of Uganda records. This expensive system has helped for its efforts in as far as trying to empower prevent outbreaks, monitor farmers rather youth, educate them, start projects like youth than investing a lot of money in labaratories livelihood fund but I urge the government to make drugs /vacuums to treat sick animals.
26 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 THE YOUTH IN WESTERN UGANDA, OUR CHALLENGES.
He also notes that the district allocate very little Source: Youth leaders from their budget for youth activities giving an example that respective districts. last financial year, they were given three hundred thousand shillings only which con not cater for 1. The youth of Masindi are largely unemployed, even aboda boda fair to move within the district. they are discriminated by the government, Henry Byensi, Chairperson Buriisa District They are used as ladders by the political players in the district and they are poor and have limited 6. There is lack of information from the National skills to relevant field attachments. level down to the youth for example he says the Gilbert Nyadru, Masindi Youth Chairperson youth do not know how to access youth programs like the students loan scheme and youth lively 2. The Kibale District Youth boss looks at hood currently going on in the country. unemployment, The district is too big and revenue He also notes that the youth of Kabarole are collection is not fairly distributed and is little to unemployed, they mistrusted by the top leader support them. Majority are “O” level and below and that they need startup capital to have that need vocational training and they are not small business ventures to support themselves politically friendly to the leaders. financially. Hiden Bassiima (Eicumu ry’ omukama) , the Kabarole distract Boss Arindwamukama Micheal, Kibale District Youth Boss
7. The youth in the district are branded as F.D.C 3. Hoima youth need start up capital to do the supporters and therefore ignored when it comes developmental projects, that there a gap between to benefits on the National Cake. the top leaders and the youth and that majority are Universal primary Education graduates who He also adds that they have no source of income do not have skills to do anything in support to their and illiterate. levels of income. Kazini Francis, Hoima District Youth They have poor relationship with leaders and civil Male Councilor servants and that they are used selfish politicians for their selfish interests. Tukamuhabwa Robert 0702826427, Rukungiri District Youth Boss 4. The youth lack mentorship and political ideology The youth are ignored when it comes to some 8. His district has an ethenical difference which decision making, citing the recent Kyankwanzi has created disharmony among the youth and resolution. therefore calls for possible suggestions as unify The little funds available like the youth funds, factors. He also notes that youth are unemployed, CDD and other youth oriented programs are not have no relationship with political leaders and easily accessed because of technicalities and the district has no civil society organizations or corruption wit in the officials. National programs to mentor them ideologically. Political leaders divide the youth for their political Kahwa from Ntoroko 0782582404 selfish interests. The youth need to be supported to train in vocational institutions to add value on their levels 9. Unemployment is increasingly disturbing the of education. Nicholas Nuwagira Ishaka – Bushenyi youth, that the district is densely populated and Municipal Youth Councilor agriculture on a big scheme is impossible like the government is proposing. Arinaitwe Sam 0702984423, the Kabale district youth boss 5. The district is divided into upper and lower parts that cannot be coordinated well and it is hard to He also notes that the illiteracy and lack of skills mobilize the youth for the common cause. He also for the youth to engage in productive activities says that they like orientation programs and youth and political differences in Kabale harm the youth day celebrations where they can meet and learn the most. from each other.
27 27 UgandaUganda YouthYouth ForumForum (UYF)(UYF) MagazineMagazine 20142014 10. The district youth are illiterate, very poor and have lost hope for the better living. 15.The youth in Mbarara are unemployed and the They are also politically marginalized and are just majority at least have gone to school but have used. nothing to support them financially. She proposes the support with vocational He adds that HIV/AIDs, drug abuses and institutions to develop skills in relevant fields and gambling have increased in the district and are also call for startup capital for small projects. gradually killing the future of the youth. Tashobya Mukandayisenga Dafuroza 0787966784, Vice Chairperson Bonny 0700783717 the Mbarara District Male Councilor Kisoro District Narrates 16. Unemployment remains the biggest challenge 11. Unemployment is burning the youth and there not only in Isingiro district but the whole country. is poor relationship with political leaders and He says that this is the main source of other technical people in the district. challenges like poverty, bad habits like gambling, He also says that the illiteracy and early marriages stealing, drugs abuse name them and calls on are still a big challenge in Kanungu district. Agaaba government to quickly help the youth otherwise Andrew, 0777133528 the Kanungu boss the future lies in balance He notes that youth have involved themselves in 12. The youth need to know the historical back easily marriages resulting peer pressure that has ground of the country because there is Ideological created a continuous trained of poverty in the disorientation and the youth work on assumption. country. The Isingiro District Youth Chairperson Mr. Gerald He also notes that the youth are idol and have succumbed to drug buses and alcoholism and 17. the youth lack carrier guidance from the start have started to have malguana gardens locally in their families and make a lot of mistakes along known as “Mukyangamucha) for are living their joinery to maturity. because the market is increasing day by day. He adds that much as the youth are unemployed, they are the most category of people who find HIV/AIDs is also challenge in the district and youth the themselves in spending sprees like bars and are not accessing the health facilities for testing night clubs, therefore they lack a saving culture. and treatment. He also notes that most of them come from The youth National programs like youth fund, youth poor backgrounds and are baked poorly hence lively hood and the students loans scheme are not inheriting poverty because they do not have realized in the district. Muteresa Joseph 0774431860 economic role models. Kyenjonjo District Chairperson Youth. He adds that the education systems in Uganda has not helped the majority of the youth because 13.There is a big gap between technical staff, the the schools setup have created classes for the political top offices and the youth which resulted poor and rich. The courses also done at university to mistrust in the government within the district. levels are not practical but only prepare them He also says that there are no orientation programs interectually which makes them job seekers but for the youth and information flow from top to not job creators. Bakesiima Nicholas 0702963436, a bottom is still problem. Civil society organizations youth leader who hails from Kiruhura in the district have tried to mentor the youth that many are political/ governance orientated but not economical. Youth Views Complied by He adds that the youth are not exposed politically, economically which has turned them into being Mwine Mpaka used by political leader because they can easily 0794 256 009 be manipulated. Bruce 0702913784 The Deputy Chairperson Bushenyi District
14. Unemployment, illiteracy and poor relationship between the youth and other political leaders’ cattails all the other challenges the youth face. Jonathan from Kyegegwa
28 28 UgandaUganda YouthYouth ForumForum (UYF)(UYF) MagazineMagazine 20142014 JULIAN SARAH AYESIGA Minister for Youth and Children Bunyoro- Kitara Kingdom
reflect what is in those sub-regions. The little funding given to the district youth council. It is always a drop in an ocean for example my district Masindi get 810,000/= only every quarter. Municipalities and Sub- I want to send my sincere greetings to the Counties do not even get a penny from the youth of Uganda centre. This is toppled on by the way most Youth leaders do not play their roles in The youth of Uganda have a lot of councils to also make sure that they benefit opportunities awaiting them for example from the local revenue and to mobilize the good political climate in the Country more resources from other funders. with peace and security where we can peacefully do our work without any political As the youth people of Uganda, we also disturbance. need to change our attitude towards work, we always want free things from The government of the republic of government and always think of criticizing Uganda has also put programmes where than getting solutions to our problems and we can easily benefit for example the using the available opportunities to solve Youth livelihood programme. The Youth the. The Banyoro say “nyama ntaito, eri capital ventures fund where I am a proud munkuwawa” literally meaning its better beneficiary, Naads, USE, UPE, Community you complain about the small piece of meat Demand Driven Development Programme, when you are carrying it under your arm pit. NUSAF II for Northern Uganda, some parts Let us strike the iron while still hot. I believe of Eastern Uganda and Bunyoro Sub- we can prosper if we have a positive attitude Region. towards work. However, the Youth of Uganda face challenges for example, There is sometimes uneven distribution of resources whereby some sub regions JULIAN SARAH AYESIGA benefit more than others. This was evidenced in the current pilot of the Youth Minister for Youth and Children livelihood programme where Sub-Regions Bunyoro- Kitara Kingdom like Bunyoro and Bugishu where totally left District Female Youth Councillor out and other sub-regions had more than Masindi District Local Government. four districts benefiting. This is total division of the Youth and the results can never
29 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 Uganda Youth Forum “ Protects the Goal”
In June, Uganda Youth Forum engaged with the UNAIDS’ Protect the Goal campaign, which works to harness young people’s passion for football and the World Cup as a means of cultivating their commitment to HIV/AIDS prevention.
UYF met with Mensima Clerk, an American-grown woman with Ghanian roots who is both a Roving Ambassador for the campaign and the founder of the Kunim Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing sexual health services to young people in Africa. She is doing a ten-month, ten-country tour of Africa, traveling across the continent holding sexual health sessions in football clubs and schools, and asking people pledge to work for a HIV/ AIDS-free future.
After leaving Uganda, Mensima spent July in Kenya before traveling in August to Swaziland. With stops in neighboring countries along the way, she is due to visit South Africa in September, Zambia in October, and return to Ghana in November.
By Eve Barnett [email protected]
30 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 UYF ALUMNI REFLECTION Life Skills, Leadership, and Moral Values: Lessons Learned from Uganda Youth Forum
MARK KAKITAHI, Director,Connect Telecom and Above and Beyond Safaris Ltd.
The messages I received from the Annual National Youth Conference (ANYC) were mainly on health (HIV/AIDS), life skills, and leadership. These had a great impact on me to date. For example, I learned to put God first in everything I did, including morals and values. I valued myself in the era when every family had a victim of HIV/AIDS, and, today, am proud of who and what I am.
BEVERLEY NAMBOZO NSEGIYUNVA The strongest messages I got from the ANYC was that “true love waits.” Through high school, I had heard about relationships, sex, and abstinence but not in-depth like I did at the ANYCs. Everything on sexuality was discussed openly. Sincerely speaking, it was the first time I listened to anything about sexuality with boys in the same room, and this made the messages about precaution, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases feel real and practical. I was greatly impacted by the messages. Though you don’t easily realize it, the ages of 15 through 25 are very formative. The constant reminders about abstinence and precaution helped me come to the life I live today, one full of fulfillment and free of regrets. I signed the “True Love Waits” cards almost every year and, each time I did, felt like I was recommitting myself to abstain until I met the right person. It was something so special.
31 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 MRS. OLIVIA TWINAMATSIKO MUGABA, Head Cash Management,Transactional Services Group,Ecobank.
ANYC’s messages had a big impact on me. The conferences seemed to resound what my mom told me at the beginning of every term. She always advised me to be careful with the opposite sex because, if I messed up, I would die of HIV and also get pregnant. Regardless of whether we lived deep in Kabale or were joining university, what mattered to my friends and me was that we kept our selves whole until we met the right gentlemen. I also learned that being friends with the opposite sex was not a sin but rather a stepping-stone to finding out who I was. I was able to be confident and my esteem increased around different people. Today as a mother, I am able to help my 8-year-old daughter understand who she is, appreciate herself and her sexuality, and also help her understand the big puzzles about sexuality. I have the confidence and experience to do that, and I am proud that I can.
By Doreen N. Karokora. Barigye Programs Administrators [email protected]
Youth at the launch of the 1st Edition Magazine
32 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 Relationships Nursing a Broken Heart Do: 1. Allow yourself to go through the “grieving” period, not around it. Understand that it takes time to heal a broken heart. Shortcuts, like jumping immediately into the next available relationship, will only make matters worse.
2. Talk to a trusted friend or family member. Sometimes when we are hurting, we are tempted to close out everyone else and deal with the situation ourselves. However, talking to someone who loves and cares about you can help with the healing process. Talking will Martha Ainomugisha Mugisa also make your heart feel lighter.
Few things bring joy to the heart like love! 3. Be active and get busy. If you brood Show me a lass or a lad in love, and I will show and hold a pity party for one, the situation will you a happy person. It is little wonder then that, get worse. As soon as you feel up to it, get when love is interrupted, we can feel a lot of out there and do something with your life! Go pain! swimming, read a book, do something fun with friends, or volunteer your skills some where Heartbreak is a very strange form of distress if you are not working. Just do something and can really hurt, even when we cannot find constructive with your time! a physical injury on the body. So why does that hollow, muscular organ that pumps blood 4. Assess the situation. I know it feels through our bodies’ circulatory systems“feel” terrible at the start. But once the clouds have so much pain and cause so much discomfort? shifted a bit and you can see clearly, ask yourself some tough questions. What can I Some research has shown that, when you learn from this experience? Did I make any continuously reflect on memories of a loved one mistakes that I can avoid the next time? What who got away, your brain can trigger sensations can I do differently next time so I don’t end up that are felt in terms of “real” physical pain. In in the same place? addition to the emotional distress a broken heart causes, these sensations actually make 5. PRAY! You should probably start here. the experience physically painful. Whether you are a spiritual person or not, So how does one deal with and pull through telling God about what you feel and asking heartbreak? him to help you get through the situation will do a lot of good. Tell God about it and allow I don’t think there are 20 golden rules to nursing His healing power to deal with the aspect of a broken heart, but let’s look at some things this situation you can’t see: the spiritual. 33 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 Do Not:
1. Do anything outrageous and dangerous like commit suicide, try drugs,or something else that will hurt you. Your life is much more precious than any relationship, so please stay safe. When this storm has subsided and you can see clearly, you will need your life! So keep it.
2. Make any rushed decisions, especially permanent or irreversible ones like moving to another country, leaving school, or quitting work. You are bound to regret these choices once the dust settles. Keep your head above your shoulders and be rational in everything you do.
3. Make it everyone’s problem. It is okay to feel sad and express yourself, but don’t let everyone around you feel the weight of your sorrows, especially those who could care less. As a matter of fact, do not take your grief to social media. Telling the whole world how horrible you feel after your breakup will not make things any better. On the contrary, doing so is something you will certainly regret in the future.
4. Try to prove how tough or "okay with it" you are by having a weekly dinner with your ex or texting them when something reminds you of them. Cut off contact as much as you can. This will help you heal more quickly. You can try to be friends with your ex when you're ready, but it won't always work.
5. Rush into another relationship. It is very important that you take time to heal and reconnect with yourself before you go down that road again.
So, are heartbreaks painful? Yes! Can you go through one and come out an even better person? Certainly you can! If you are nursing a broken heart right now, hold your head up high and tell yourself that your true love is out there. One of these days, you will find them!
By Martha Mugisa
Martha:[email protected]
34 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 Building Healthy Relationships Dating before marriage has become a common trend among young people across the world. Uganda Youth Forum strongly beleives in the values of “ TRUE LOVE WAITS” . We promote building healthy relationships based on abstinance before marriage and fidelity in marriage. To create a collage of international ideas, Uganda Youth Forum asked young people from around the world what they think would make for a wonderful first date.
In Mexico, we like to take things slowly. A date is merely an opportunity to continue to get to know the other person before proceeding with a more formal dating process. This is why, for me, an ideal date would be simply a day at the park – ideally a big one! It would be a great opportunity to talk and learn more about each other. And if things go well, there are many opportunities to be spontaneous! MEXICO Jose Escamilla
I've always wanted to have a very "Korean" date in Seoul. I think couples in Korea tend to spend a lot more time together compared to couples in America, where I go to college. My ideal first date would look like this: on one very springy day, I'd step out of my apartment in a floral dress and my boyfriend would be waiting for me. We would then take a subway to Yeo-ui-do to see the annual cherry blossom festival. We would take a lot of selfies together and, of course, post them on Facebook. We would also take a stroll to the Han River SOUTH KOREA nearby which is a popular spot for couples. One of the things on my Hee Jae Jang bucket list is to ride a couples bicycle (for two) there and have a nice picnic. For lunch, we would eat Korean sushi that I've packed for us and we might as well order chicken (in Korea, they deliver anywhere, anytime!). Ah, how I wish I could have such a day!
My ideal first date would be to first take her to a fancy restaurant on top of Taipei 101 for dinner. Taipei 101 is one of the tallest buildings in the world, and its restaurants have a great view of all of Taipei. The dinner must be western food though because Chinese food is not really convenient for only two to eat and because western food shows the importance of the event. Afterwards, we can visit the night markets and enjoy cheap, local – and unfortunately sometimes a little unclean – Taiwanese food and games often seen in fairs and festivals. It has to be TAIWAN after dinner since these are only open from around 8pm to 11pm. After Schrasing Tong that it would be nice to watch a movie. I guess that's it since then it will be late, and I would take her home because staying out too late for a first date is frowned upon.
35 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 Building Healthy Relationships
Two of my favorite things to do are exploring natural landscapes and exercising. Luckily, those two often pair well together. About an hour from where I live, there is a wonderful state park with rolling hills, a quiet lake, and paths on which you can walk and think with ease. It has a sort of inimitable beauty that takes your breath away and keeps it for a while. I think spending a day there would make for a fantastic first date. The lake is a great place to stop for a picnic, and the trails Massachusetts, provide excellent forums for conversation; it makes you feel at home, AMERICA and when you’re there you don’t have a worry in the world. Of course, Grant Rheingold none of the scenery really matters, as it all seems to fade away if you’re there with the right person.
I would definitely expect the best! I would want to go on a date with a down to earth, lively and handsome guy (The one am planning to spend the rest of my life with.), at a good up country restaurant with a cozy environment near the lake. The place should also have a view that brings out a romantic moment that would create a mutual bonding instantly. One of a kind is Lake Bunyonyi resort in Kabale District, Western Kampala, UGANDA Uganda. Kuzara Gladys
ENGLAND Rina Azumi
I love taking long walks and enjoying nature. An ideal first date should combine the two. A romantic date spot is the seaside or mountains, a place undisturbed by people with plenty of fresh air. It would especially be sweet if the guy takes me to somewhere he’s already explored, so he is already familiar with the most scenic spots. We would stop at one, and start a picnic. He would bring tomato basil bruschetta and small sandwiches to nibble on, and I would bring a strawberry- cream tart. Then we would sit there for hours talking, laughing and watching the beautiful scenery.
By Eve Barnett [email protected]
36 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 SERVICE PROVIDERS MAP Uganda Youth Forum has continued to broaden its scope of influence by increasing the number of organizations that it partners with. Strategic alliances and networks have been made with selected organizations. We have partnered with different NGOs, Development Partners, CSOs,CBOs, FBOs,
Contact person No Organisation Area of Intervention Address & Designation
0782-324764 Africa Challenge Foundation aims at 0714-324764 being one of Africa’s fast growing and Plot 5, Block 107, Upper Kauga progressive youth voice on issues of P.O.Box: 937 personal and institutional integrity, good Mukono (Uganda) Ivan Atuyambe E-mail: governance, Social and administrative Africa Challenge President/ Team [email protected] justice, accountable leadership and 1. Foundation Leader [email protected] sustainable development. (AFRICAF) Specific program activities include:-, Training and mentorship, economic literacy, financial discipline, saving and investment culture for youth, youth entrepreneurship innovations, and enterprise development.
Afripads Helen Walker Manufacture and sell cost-effective cloth [email protected] 2. Executive sanitary pads that will last up to one year 0787471191 Director ASAA provides a platform to reach the Alcohol and T: 0782-559505 youth in Uganda, share information on Brian Banya, Substance abuse E: [email protected] Awareness prevention, treatment and research on Executive 3. W: asaaoutreach.org Association alcoholism and substance abuse so that Director (ASAA) Ugandan Youth can achieve their goals Plot 18b George Street P.O.Box 300 Kampala, Uganda and targets BRAC is a development organization dedicated to alleviate poverty by empowering the poor, and helping them to bring about positive changes in Cell: +256 (0) 702063971 their lives by creating opportunities for E-mail: [email protected] the poor. Besides Bangladesh, BRAC spreads antipoverty solutions to 10 other Abul Kashem Plot -90, Busingiri Zone 4. developing countries, which are Uganda, Mozumder Off Entebbe Road BRAC Uganda Tanzania, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Nyanam, Kampala Country Uganda Liberia, Haiti, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Representative Lanka and the Philippines. Tel: +256 (0) 414 270978 BRAC focuses on women’s grassroots empowerment , Health, Education ,Empowering farmers and Financial Services
37 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 SERVICE PROVIDERS MAP
Contact Address No Organisation Area of Intervention person & Designation
Global Health Corps (GHC) is a fellowship program working to mobilize a global Mrs. Babara Global Health community of emerging leaders to build a Kayanja 5. Corps movement for health equity. GHC provides 0772-523862 opportunities for young professionals from Regional around the world to work on the frontlines Director of the fight for global health equity in year long paid fellowships.
An international Youth Organization with a International vision of nurturing youth as global leaders Youth Fellowship through the mindset of challenge, change and cohesion. Objectives Pr. Kim Hyong P.O.Box 33441 Kampala 6. Promote evangelism among the vulnerable Jin Mob 0772-487595 groups for their well being, Developing Country Director leadership skills among the next generation and to advocate for mutual union through global fellowship
KiBO Foundation establishes local, social enterprises focused on developing skills P.O. Box 32087, Lujumwa and unleashing the capacity of the youth. Abraham Temu House Plot 796 Nkuzongere Training in applied internet, communication (Founder & Road, Kansanga and technology (“ICT”) skills is the 7. KiBO Foundation Managing foundation they create to nurture and Kampala, UgandaTelephone: develop leadership abilities. Graduates are Director) 041(4) 266 917 or 031(2) empowered and encouraged to give back 111 820 abraham.temu@ to their communities contributing to the kibofoundation.com goal of self sustainability.
Mirembe Youth Teen Mother Support Project Florence 8. Development Kaluuba, 0772-463363 Projects Director
Nakimuli Most At Risk Marjorie, 9. Universal Access to STD/HIV Testing & Population Team Leader 0312-266125, 0712-816175 Treatment Initiative Outreach Programmes
38 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 SERVICE PROVIDERS MAP
Contact No Organisation Area of Intervention person & Address Designation
Mr. Peter Mpinga Executive Director NTIHC realizes that attitudes to sexuality are formed early during adolescence when many young people are faced with Opposite Shell Bugolobi conflicting and confusing messages Naguru Teenage P.O.Box 27572 Kampala, about sexuality and gender. Few young Uganda Information people receive adequate preparation for Health center their sexual lives leaving them potentially +256 414288304/ +256 10. ( NTIHC) vulnerable to coercion, abuse, unintended 414288097 pregnancy and STIs, including HIV. apart Mob: 072-514181 from providing youth friendly services, [email protected] NTIHC wants to create a safe space where young people can be empowered and receive quality SRH related information, guidance and services.
The National Youth Council is an Plot 17-19 Ntinda Road, autonomous body established by an Act of off Martyrs Way Road Parliament in 1993 (National Youth Council Mr. Shaft Nasser (200m),Post Office Box 7136, Act Cap 319). It is an umbrella organization Mukwaya Kampala of all Youth in Uganda and is mandated .Tel: +256 414 257 860, +256 to organize, mobilize and engage Youth in Executive 414 575 776 National Youth Secretary 11. development activities as well as protect Fax: +256 414 340 472, +256 Council (NYC) National them from any kind of manipulation. It Youth Council 414 256 374 is also a channel through which the Secretariat Email: nyc_uganda@hotmail. youth can contribute and benefit from the com / executivesec@ country’s development process. nycuganda.com / jannyk@ According to the National Youth Council nycuganda.org Act Cap 319. Section 2, a youth is a person [email protected] between the age of 18 and 30 years
Plawastes Vision is to be the leading plastic waste managers in uganda and Plawaste Recycling Company offers the following services; Plastic Ltd Waste Recycling, Waste Management P.o Box 1751, Mbarara,Uganda Consultancies, Balya Plaza, Opp.stanbic Bank- PLAWASTE Plastic management Training, Gardening Mr. Tumusiime Mbarara Kenneth RECYCLING services and proposal development Mobile:+256 772 371 691 12. Empowerment of the youth with knowledge Ahimbisibwe Office:+256 485 660 134 WASTE LIMITED on how to make money out of Managing +250 786 372 245 plastic waste. This has been done through Director Email: [email protected] a number of activities [email protected] including mass sensitization in education institutions. Website: www.plawaste.com We have published a book titled “Wealth from plastic waste”
39 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 SERVICE PROVIDERS MAP
Contact Address No Organisation Area of Intervention person & Designation
Reach Out Mbuya Parish HIV/AIDS Initiative (ROM), a Community Faith-Based P.O.Box 7303 Kampala Uganda Non-Government Organization (NGO), Plot 1 Boazman Road Mbuya was founded in 2001 to provide HIV/AIDS 11 Hill care to the urban poor persons living Tel: +256 414 222630/+256 414 with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) within the service 223334 area of Mbuya Catholic Parish and now in Fax: +256 414 220479 Kasaala-Luweero district since January Dr. Stella Alomo Email: reachout@ 2009. ROM operates in Mbuya Catholic Talisuna reachoutmbuya.org 13. Reach Out Mbuya Parish, located in Nakawa Division, the Web: www.reachoutmbuya.org eastern part of Executive Kinawataka Site: Tel: +256 414 ROM has been mindful that geographical Director 220210 and financial access are critical to patient Banda Site: Tel: +256 414 retention and created satellite clinics within 690403 the communities to provide comprehensive Reach Out Mbuya Parish HIV/ services, hence the four service outlets of AIDS Initiative Kasaala (ROK): Mbuya, Banda, Kinawataka in Kampala Tel: +256 702 442597 district and Kasaala, about 75kms away, in Luweero
Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU) is a national, voluntary, non-discriminatory and not-for-profit, non-government organisation. It is affiliated to the International Planned Parenthood Federation, a leading International NGO promoting and providing Plot 2 Katego Road, Tufnell sexual and reproductive health and Reproductive Drive, off Kira Road rights services with a membership of 152 Health Uganda P.O.Box 10746, Associations in 182 countries.focus is Kampala, Kamwokya (Opp. aligned to the following themes: Mr. Jackson Uganda Museum) Uganda Access to information and services. Chekweko 14. Phones: +256-312- Adolescents and youth aged 15 – 30 years Executive 207100, +256-41 4 540658 of age as primary clients. Director | Fax: +256- 41 40540657 Advocacy to counter barriers that limit E-mail: rhu[at] rhu.or.ug access to sexual and reproductive health | Website: www.rhu.or.ug services and information. Gender sensitivity, reproductive rights and institutional capacity building as crosscutting themes in all RHU programmes. Services to marginalised and other vulnerable persons
40 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 SERVICE PROVIDERS MAP
Contact No Organisation Area of Intervention person & Address Designation
Plot 42A Mukabya Road, P.O Box 7086 Kampala Nakawa Industrial Area
Nakawa
Kampala
Uganda Industrial Research Institute is 256 Uganda Government's lead agency for industrialization, established by an Act of Uganda Parliament of Uganda under the auspices of the Ministry of Trade Industry and cooperatives (MTIC). It is the country's main vehicle for implementing strategies [email protected] Prof. Charles and measures aimed at transforming 15. Uganda Industrial Kwesiga industry in Uganda.The Institute has Research Institute Executive metamorphosed in its focus, mandate, +256-414-286245 Director organizational structure, and sense of purpose to address more effectively its mission and the country's industrial +256-414-286695 development strategies resulting into a dynamic, flexible, and responsive organisation that is geared to;Technology Development and Transfer http://www.uiri.org
Iraq Veterans Development foundation’s goal is to coordinate Ugandans who have and still serve in the middle East Iraq in particular, support members with Uganda Iraq Mr. Amumpaire establishment and management of income P.O.Box 35053 Kampala Veterans Bismac 16. generating projects, strengthen HIV/AIDS Development Executive Prevention campaigns, support members 0783-122356 Foundation Director who want to pursue with further studies and those who need advice for external employment among others.
41 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 First Lady Calls For Local Fundraising
families from catching HIV/AIDS. “I strongly believe that with collective determination and effort, nothing can defeat us. The destiny of our nation is in our hands, we build for the better by supporting and empowering our young people,” she said. She also called on men and women to fight for the rights and promote the well-being of the African and Ugandan child who are still suffering on the streets and are being trafficked abroad and sold in slavery. She said there is still a big battle to fight. She thanked all friends and stakeholders in addressing the challenges that confront the young people and pledged her continued commitment to support the youth. “Just as the rising sun gives assurance for a new day, so in our youth do we have assurance for the Uganda of today and of Uganda’s Vice President Edward Sekandi, First Lady Hon. Janet the future”, she said. Museveni and Deputy Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanya President Museveni, who joined the dinner on his arrive for the UYF fundraising dinner at State House Entebbe (L-R) way from Mbale, said the real solution for the youth, women, men and the elderly is socio-economic First Lady Hon. Janet Museveni said that it takes transformation of the country. sacrifice to build a nation and if Ugandans really agree to sacrifice a little from whatever they have, we may be He said that currently all sectors in Uganda are able to help ourselves sooner than later. underutilized citing the a Parish in Bunyaruguru which “We have been talking about raising funds for HIV/AIDS he recently visited and found that only one homestead programmes in the country and I have heard many out of the 2,500 was practicing commercial farming people say that we can do it if we really get organized. and the rest were just in subsistence farming. Then we can stand up and walk with our heads high President Museveni who cited a Biblical verse saying knowing that we do some of our programmes as a Nation ‘Seek ye first the Kingdom of Heaven and rest will without always waiting to be funded by our partners, be added unto you’, urged Ugandans to focus on even though they have done a good job so far,” she said. modernizing agriculture, expanding industries and She was speaking during a fundraising dinner she ICT and then the country will have bigger possibilities hosted for the Uganda Youth Forum at State House to deal with its social issues. Entebbe recently. The UYF Executive Director Leonard Imanishimwe President Yoweri Museveni also graced the fundraising said that they hope to raise about 6 billion shillings which collected over Shs 400 million in cash and that will fund their 3Hs-pronged approach focusing pledges. on the head, heart and hands through life skills, leadership and mentoring training, business and The Vice President Edward Ssekandi, the Deputy entrepreneurship development and patriotism and Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanya, a number of community service among the young people. Cabinet Ministers, MPs, Pastors and Religious leaders, youth, plus people from the Business Community were UYF Board Chairman, Dr. James Magara thanked all among the many well - wishers who thronged State those who contributed House for the occasion. Renowned Ugandan Gospel singers Judith Babirye, Mrs. Museveni who founded the Uganda Youth Forum Wilson Bugembe and Herbert Twina plus the Police 22 years ago said the organization has empowered the band were among the entertainers of the day. Nation through the young people who learned to live disciplined lives and to protect themselves and their Source : NEW VISON, Monday August, 4, 2014
42 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 43 Uganda Youth Forum (UYF) Magazine 2014 UGANDA YOUTH FORUM
VISION An Empowered, Healthy and Focused Youth. MISSION To reach out to the youth nationwide, and to empower them to lead transformed lives through: • Training in Life skills. • Counseling and Mentoring. • Creating Forum for Dialogue and Advocacy. • Fostering Entrepreneurship. • Cultivating Patriotism. STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS 2010-2014
• To influence formulation and implementation of policies on the issues affecting the youth. • To enhance leadership development and patriotic spirit among the youth. • Improve the economic livelihood of the youth. • Improve health status of young people through informed life style choices. • Increasing capacity for financial resource mobilization and management so as to secure adequate funding for UYF core activities and ensure organizational sustainability. • Reinforcing and Building capacity of the secretariat for efficient and effective delivery and performance. • Provide appropriate and relevant information for informed educational and career choices for the youth. • Create a supportive environment for healthy and productive lifestyle choices for young people in Uganda.
Plot 12, Malcolm X Avenue, Kololo P.O. Box 24778, Kampala Tel: +256 414 258 682 Fax: +256 414 258 680 Email: [email protected]
UYF Partners
KiBO FOUNDATION