By The Government of Uganda has announced that this year’s National Commemoration of International Youth Day will be held on September 19, 2025, in Masindi District, with a strong focus on youth-led socio-economic transformation through technology and partnerships.
State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, told journalists at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala on Thursday that the event had been rescheduled from the global date of August 12 to allow adequate preparation and broader participation.
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This year’s global theme is “Youth Advancing Multilateral Cooperation through Technology and Partnerships.” Uganda has localized it to: “Youth Advancing Socio-Economic Transformation through Technology and Partnerships.” According to the Minister, the theme reflects Uganda’s national priorities and places young people at the center of the country’s development agenda.
“Uganda’s youthful population is not a burden, it is our greatest resource. When empowered, skilled, and supported, they will drive us to a more prosperous, inclusive, and resilient future,” Balaam said.
The Minister highlighted Uganda’s unique demographic advantage, citing the 2024 National Census which revealed that 73.2% of Ugandans are below 30 years, while 22.7% are youth aged 18–30 years. With the right investments, he noted, this youthful population can serve as a powerful engine for economic growth and innovation.
Balaam acknowledged persistent challenges, including high unemployment, low school completion rates, and regional disparities in literacy—particularly in Karamoja, where youth literacy stands at only 29% compared to near-universal levels in Buganda.
Despite these challenges, he praised the resilience and creativity of Ugandan youth who are driving innovations in agriculture, ICT, the creative industry, green economy, and civic leadership.
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The Minister outlined several government interventions already in place, such as the Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP), Parish Development Model (PDM), Presidential Skilling Initiatives, Emyooga, and the Youth Venture Capital Fund. He also announced the upcoming launch of the National Youth Innovation Fund and the rollout of the Revised National Youth Policy (2025).
“Government will continue to strengthen District Youth Councils, mentorship systems, and institutionalize professional youth work frameworks,” he added.
International Youth Day celebrations in Masindi are expected to bring together government agencies, the private sector, cultural and religious leaders, civil society, and development partners to reaffirm their commitment to empowering young people.
“Together, let us recognize the potential of our youth, celebrate their achievements, and recommit to walking alongside them in shaping the Uganda we all desire,” Balaam said.
