In a bid to promote inclusivity and give young people a voice in the political arena, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) has taken significant steps to involve youth in governance. This message was conveyed by Peace Mutuuzo, the Minister of State for Gender and Culture and Women MP for Bunyangabu District, during her keynote address at the National Youth Symposium 2024.
Representing the Chief Guest, Prime Minister Nabaanja Robinah, Minister Mutuuzo highlighted the NRM’s commitment to ensuring youth representation at all levels of government in Uganda. Speaking at the Four Points by Sheraton, where the symposium is being held from February 21st to 22nd, Minister Mutuuzo emphasized the importance of integrating the youth into national decision-making processes.
“The youth are represented at all levels in our government, and at the national level, we have regional youth Members of Parliament and female youth representatives who advocate for the needs of all young people in the country,” Minister Mutuuzo stated.
Uganda’s youth form the majority of the population, with approximately 78% of the total Ugandan population being under the age of 35. Minister Mutuuzo commended the NRM for creating regional slots for youth MPs, which not only introduced young people to national politics but also ensured their voices were heard at all levels of governance.
“At the district level, we have achieved gender parity with one male and one female representative. This demonstrates our commitment to inclusivity and equal representation,” said Mutuuzo.
Addressing the issue of political violence, Mutuuzo urged the youth to engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to chaos. She emphasized the importance of using intellectual discourse to challenge ideas and create positive change in society.
“We don’t have to resort to violent politics. We can engage in peaceful discussions and deliberations, using our intellect to address the issues that affect us,” Minister Mutuuzo asserted.
During her presentation on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Mutuuzo highlighted the underrepresentation of women in politics as a significant factor contributing to GBV. The power imbalance in political decision-making, she argued, hinders the development and implementation of policies and measures that combat GBV effectively.
Phiona Nyamutooro, the National Female Youth Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Uganda Parliamentary Forum for Youth Affairs (UPFYA), emphasized the need for political inclusivity to redefine governance and promote collective reflection and action.
“The theme of today’s event should stimulate discussions on how we can live in a well-governed country with equal opportunities and civic spaces that raise awareness among the youth,” Nyamutooro urged.
The National Youth Symposium 2024, held under the theme “Redefining Governance and Political Inclusivity in Uganda,” seeks to address the challenges faced by the country’s youth, who constitute a staggering 78% of the population, according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS).
Among the challenges discussed at the symposium are disempowerment and the presence of a monetized political landscape. Through initiatives like this symposium, the NRM aims to create a platform for young people to voice their concerns and actively participate in shaping the future of Uganda’s governance.
