Youth Leaders Impress SHIPU Head with Innovations

In a meeting focused on career guidance and technological innovation, Col. Edith Nakalema, Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), was left amazed by the ingenuity of Uganda's youth and student leaders. During the gathering, which took place at SHIPU’s offices in Kampala, the young innovators showcased their ability to harness technology to address key societal issues.

The meeting brought together prominent student and youth leaders, including Johnson Emmanuel Obbo, Nationwide Dialogue Committee Coordinator, and representatives from the Uganda National Students Association (UNSA) and Makerere University. These young leaders presented various technological innovations, including apps designed to offer career guidance based on individual passions and competencies.

"So, you can now determine yourselves using your phones—understanding who you are and what you are capable of?" Col. Nakalema asked, visibly impressed. "I didn’t know you had advanced that far in using technology for personal and societal improvement. This is a big lesson for me."

The SHIPU head commended the youth for their efforts to create digital solutions, emphasizing the importance of using these innovations to tackle national challenges like unemployment. "If each of you can harness your unique talents and passions to meet societal needs, the world would be a much better place," Nakalema noted.

Focus on Wealth Creation and Fighting Corruption

Col. Nakalema also stressed the significance of wealth creation among young people, highlighting the vital role that youth innovation plays in economic transformation. "I’m happy that you are already creating wealth through these innovations. My job now is to ensure wealth creation across the country, and you are key to that mission," she remarked.

Beyond wealth creation, Nakalema reiterated the need for the youth to join the fight against corruption. She explained that by organizing themselves to be more productive, young people could contribute meaningfully to tackling corruption, a pressing issue in Uganda. "We are all tired of corruption. The solution lies in better organization and productivity," she added.

SHIPU’s Role in Protecting Investors

Nakalema also took the opportunity to brief the youth on SHIPU’s efforts to safeguard investments through its Electronic Investors Protection Portal. The portal, an IT system designed to prevent fraud and streamline investment processes, was developed by young Ugandan innovators. "This system quickens investment processes by eliminating human interactions that often lead to fraud. It’s a proud achievement by your fellow young Ugandans," she said.

Youth Innovations Aligned with Educational Reforms

Joshua Asiimwe, one of the youth leaders, highlighted that many of their innovations align with Uganda’s new competence-based curriculum, which shifts focus from academic grades to real-world problem-solving. "Our innovations help learners apply their passions to address societal challenges, which is exactly what the new curriculum aims to achieve," Asiimwe explained.

As the meeting concluded, the youth leaders expressed gratitude to Col. Nakalema for her continued support and open dialogue on development issues. "We appreciate how you always lend us a listening ear and engage with us on matters of national importance," said Olot Francis, President of UNSA.

Col. Nakalema encouraged the youth to continue seeking guidance and to put God at the forefront of their efforts. "Always ask God if you are still within His will. Never forget to seek His guidance in all you do," she advised.