The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, has announced that the National Commemoration of International Youth Day (IYD) will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, in Masindi District.
Although the official global date is August 12, Uganda postponed the celebration to allow more preparation and wider participation. The United Nations declared the day in 1999 to recognize the unique challenges and contributions of young people worldwide.
This year’s global theme is “Youth Advancing Multilateral Cooperation through Technology and Partnerships.” Uganda has adapted it to its development agenda under the localized theme: “Youth Advancing Socio-Economic Transformation through Technology and Partnerships.”
According to the 2024 National Census, Uganda’s population stands at 45.9 million people, of which:
73.2% are below 30 years
50.5% are aged 17 and below
22.7% are youth aged 18–30, as defined by the National Youth Policy
Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, the Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, said this youthful demographic is Uganda’s “strategic advantage,” and if empowered, can drive economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development.
Despite a youth literacy rate of 82%, challenges remain, including low secondary school completion, regional disparities, unemployment, and limited access to capital. However, young Ugandans continue to demonstrate resilience, excelling in ICT, agriculture, creative industries, and environmental conservation.
Government programmes targeting youth empowerment include:
Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP) – providing startup capital
Parish Development Model (PDM) – allocating 30% of resources to youth enterprises
Youth Venture Capital Fund – affordable credit for entrepreneurs
Presidential Skilling Initiatives – vocational and ICT training
Emyooga – support for informal sector youth through SACCOs
Graduate Volunteer Scheme – workplace experience for graduates
Green Jobs Programme – promoting eco-friendly enterprises
In the 2024/25 financial year, Uganda committed UGX 58.34 trillion to national development, with significant investments in youth-focused programmes.
The government is also preparing to launch a National Youth Innovation Fund and roll out the Revised National Youth Policy (2025).
Uganda’s youth are taking the lead in innovation hubs, startup accelerators, and digital skilling centres. Ten youth co-creation labs supported by UNDP are already crowdsourcing solutions to governance, climate change, and food security.
Globally, young Ugandans are active in platforms such as the African Union Youth Summits, Commonwealth Youth Networks, and the UN Youth 2030 Programme, amplifying Uganda’s voice in international cooperation.
As Uganda prepares for the celebrations in Masindi, Minister Balaam emphasized that youth should not be seen as a burden but as the country’s “greatest resource.”
“Together, let us recognize the potential of our youth, celebrate their achievements, and recommit to walking alongside them in shaping the Uganda we all desire,” he said.
The Masindi event will showcase youth achievements, reaffirm government commitments, and highlight new initiatives aimed at strengthening youth participation in socio-economic transformation.
