Youth Leaders Push for Increased Funding Ahead of 2026/27 Budget Reading

As Uganda approaches the reading of its 2026/27 national budget, youth leaders are urging the government to allocate more funds to programs designed for young people's empowerment. They argue that given their majority status in the population, youth should be a central focus in national development planning.

Members of the National Youth Advocacy Platform (NYAP) presented a position paper to newly elected Members of Parliament. The paper outlines key issues affecting young people and proposes legislative priorities. Unemployment was identified as a critical challenge, prompting calls for reforms in the education system to prioritize practical and vocational skills over a narrow focus on the formal job market.

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We want to see more resources directed towards youth-focused programmes because young people constitute about 73 percent of Uganda's population. The budget should reflect their needs and aspirations.

"We want to see more resources directed towards youth-focused programmes because young people constitute about 73 percent of Uganda's population. The budget should reflect their needs and aspirations," stated Evelyn Zalwango. She also advocated for reviewing the requirements for political office, citing high nomination and campaign costs that exclude many potential young leaders. Zalwango further noted that some government youth initiatives have become overly politicized, hindering participation.

NYAP Chairperson Matte Jorcus stressed that the upcoming budget must prioritize youth empowerment, given that young people, despite forming the largest demographic, remain economically vulnerable. Lira City East MP Denis Omodi Alyela encouraged young people to utilize existing government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga. He pledged legislative support for youth concerns and urged active participation in leadership and governance to influence decision-making.

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The government must prioritise youth empowerment in the 2026/27 budget because young people are the majority of the population, yet many continue to struggle with poverty and unemployment.