President Museveni Urges Youth to Combat Corruption and Embrace Skills Development at International Youth Day Celebration

The president of Uganda, H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called upon the youth of Uganda to take an active role in fighting corruption, emphasizing the importance of utilizing proper channels rather than resorting to protests. Speaking at the International Youth Day Celebrations held at Soroti Core Primary Teachers’ College in Soroti District, President Museveni urged young people to be vigilant in tracking government funds and reporting any misuse to relevant authorities.

“Avoid and fight corruption. You don’t have to go on the streets and riot; you fight corruption by following up on government money and knowing how it’s being spent. Know the figures, and in case there’s some misappropriation, write and report to the RDC. If the RDC doesn’t act, we have got other channels,” he stated.

The International Youth Day, celebrated annually on August 12th, focuses on youth issues, bringing them to the forefront of the international community, and recognizing the potential of young people as crucial contributors to global society.

This year’s International Youth Day Celebration was marked under the theme,  "Skills Development for Enhancement of Youth Opportunities". 

This year’s International Youth Day celebrations served as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Uganda's youth, while also highlighting the government's commitment to addressing these issues through education, skills development, and active engagement in national development.

President Museveni reassured the public that corruption can be effectively tackled if Ugandans work together. "We can finish these corrupt people; they are not a big problem. All we need are facts," he said, encouraging youth to be part of the solution.

The President also emphasized the importance of free education in government schools, lamenting the fact that many Ugandans have not fully embraced this initiative. He reflected on the historical context of limited educational opportunities in his own youth and stressed the need for universal access to education to prevent school dropouts.

“In 1958, when we were in Kyamate, Ntungamo area, the people who went to Mbarara High School were like four or five from the whole area. Many children were not going to school at all, but even those who did, very few would proceed beyond Primary Six,” Museveni explained. He challenged local leaders to investigate the reasons behind the high dropout rates, especially between primary and secondary education.

The President also encouraged school-going children to assist their families in wealth creation during school holidays, drawing from his own childhood experience of contributing to his household's income from a young age. However, he cautioned parents against overburdening their children, emphasizing the importance of balance.

Museveni further advised youth to engage in sports, spiritual development, and to understand the core principles of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) for their prosperity. He also warned against environmental degradation, particularly the misuse of swamps, which he said should be preserved for their natural role in water conservation.

During the event, the Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Hon. Betty Amongi, highlighted the critical role of skills development in addressing youth unemployment. She noted that the 2024 National Population and Housing Census revealed that Uganda has one of the youngest populations globally, with over 50% under the age of 17. Amongi stressed the need for practical, digital, and entrepreneurial skills to prepare youth for the job market.

Other dignitaries at the event included the Vice President H.E Jessica Alupo, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives from various youth organizations. The UN Resident Coordinator in Uganda, Ms. Susan Ngongi Namondo, and the Ambassador of Denmark to Uganda, H.E Signe Winding Albjerg, also spoke, calling for renewed efforts to support youth in realizing their full potential.

 About the International Youth Day

The International Youth Day is celebrated annually on 12 August to bring youth issues to the attention of the international community and celebrate the potential of youth as partners in today’s global society.

The Day gives an opportunity to celebrate and mainstream young peoples’ voices, actions, and initiatives, as well as their meaningful, universal, and equitable engagement. The UN General Assembly (UNGA) established the Day on 17 December 1999, after it endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth calling for 12 August to be declared International Youth Day.