On August 21, 2025, Twaweza East Africa, in partnership with Action for Health Uganda (A4HU) and other key organizations, hosted a dynamic International Youth Day commemoration at the Media Challenge Initiative Hub in Kampala. Guided by the theme “Beyond the Statistic: Amplifying Young Ugandan Voices,” the event transformed data into dialogue and dialogue into action. The day’s discussions were anchored in findings from the Sauti za Wananchi survey, which revealed that Uganda’s youth—who make up nearly a quarter of the population—are most concerned about unemployment, the rising cost of living, and health challenges. Alarmingly, 42.6% of youth aged 15–24 are classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), underscoring the urgency for solutions.
Instead of traditional panel discussions, participants engaged in “World Café Debates”, a highly interactive format where they moved between stations, debating provocative questions drawn from real statistics. The debates unpacked youth unemployment, the cost of living, and systemic barriers to education and work. Solutions ranged from national paid internship schemes and vocational training, to grassroots cooperatives, financial literacy campaigns, mentorship, and mental health support.
A4HU facilitated one of the most powerful sessions, using stories and visuals to humanize the NEET statistics. Their Advocacy Officer also anchored the health dimension of the day, spotlighting barriers to youth-friendly services and closing with a stirring call for youth to see themselves as active contributors in shaping their communities and Uganda’s future.
Youth Champions from Mityana and Kassanda shared inspiring stories of advocacy under the TeamUp Uganda program where A4HU is an implementing partner. Their participation proved that when organized and empowered, young people can influence local government processes, including district health budgets .
he event was further enriched by expert insights from SEMA, Switch Africa, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre, the Media Challenge Initiative, and government representatives, including the Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development Commissioner for Children and Youth Affairs, Mr. Mondo Kyateeka. His message was clear: “Youth are not a problem to be solved but a solution to be embraced.”
The A4HU SRHR Advocacy Officer anchored key discussions at International Youth Day 2025. In his opening remarks, he highlighted findings from A4HU’s work in Mityana and Kassanda, showing how stigma, lack of confidentiality, and weak service delivery limit youth access to health services.
Closing the debates, he urged youth to see themselves as benefactors—leaders shaping their own futures—rather than passive beneficiaries. He called for innovation, accountability, and shared responsibility, reminding stakeholders that the cost of inaction affects all. His message reflected A4HU’s mission: empowering youth as active architects of Uganda’s future.
