KABALE – On Saturday, December 23rd, 2023, Kigezi Teens Magazine, a youth-focused publication officially launched its fourth edition dedicated to “Empowering the youth and transforming lives of the young generation,”
The event marked a significant step forward in extending impactful youth programs throughout Western Uganda. Held at the White Horse Inn in Kabale, Western Uganda, the ceremony was graced by notable figures, with Prof. Charles Kwesiga, Chief Executive Director of the Uganda Industrial Research Institute, serving as the Chief Guest.
In his address as the Guest of Honor, Prof. Charles Kwesiga urged the youth to cultivate a positive mindset, embrace discipline, and prioritize hard work for a brighter future.
He emphasized the importance of understanding the background of success, encouraging the youth to learn from the journeys of successful individuals rather than merely admiring their achievements. Prof. Charles pledged full support for both the magazine and the commendable efforts of the youth in Kigezi.
Among the distinguished guests were Ms. Ruth Ndyabahika Kendegye, Founder of Grace Villa Kabale; Mr. Sam Evidence Orikunda, Deputy RDC Shema District; CPA Dr. Begumisa Protazio, Aspirant MP Ndorwa East; Hon Dr Kamara, Kabale Member of Parliament; Hon Joseph Mutebile, Aspirant MP Kabale District; Mr. Sam Arineitwe, Central Division Chairman, and various youth leaders from across the Kigezi region.
The event also saw the commitment of contributors like Derrick Collections, who pledged a 25% cash sponsorship for each publication. Additionally, Mrs. Julie Solberg and Hon Ajja expressed their support, further enhancing the magazine’s journey.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of Kigezi Teens Magazine, Mr. Eddy Nahwera, the CEO and Founder, extended heartfelt thanks to sponsors and stakeholders for their dedicated contributions to the successful completion of the fourth edition. He singled out Prof. Charles Kwesiga for consistent support in youth projects and empowerment, not only in the region but across the entire country.
Copies of the magazine are now available for purchase at various outlets in Uganda, including Derrick Collections in Kabale, Jimpix Studios-Robathy Plaza in Rukungiri, Derrick Collections in Mbarara, Snow FM reception in Kasese, VOM reception in Kisoro, and Vanz Media in Makindye, Kampala. Mr. Nahwera encouraged everyone to buy a copy, emphasizing the importance of supporting their impactful work.
Concluding his remarks, Mr. Nahwera called upon the government to fully support youth initiatives like theirs, underscoring their commitment to empowering young people in Kigezi and Uganda as a whole. He appealed for the inclusion of influential youth in government programs to ensure better representation of their concerns and aspirations. The team expressed their ongoing commitment to releasing annual editions and organizing such functions each year, highlighting the need for increased sponsorship, donors, and funds to sustain their valuable work in motivating and uplifting the youth.
Kigezi Teens Awards 2023
The awarding ceremony, a subsidiary program and an annual event that combines all youth collectively from every region of Kigezi held on the same night attracted more than 350 people from greater Kigezi and others from Central and other parts of Uganda.
Organized with the main aim of encouraging hard work among the youth, and appreciating their efforts in different fields, the awards saw a total number of 130 youths nominated in the 20 categories available.
One winner was declared per category and there were only 20 winners from all the rest that were nominated. The election according to the organizers was free and fair however despite a few challenges faced, being the first edition where the voting was done online.
Below is the full list of winners in the 2022 Kigezi teens
Awards
ACTOR OF THE YEAR-MEMORY AGUMA
ACTRESS OF THE YEAR-KATUSHABE BRENDA
PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR-GEORGE GRINGO
MUSIC PRODUCER OF THE YEAR-UNCLE NATURE
CULTURAL HIT OF THE YEAR-OWEITU KIGEZI BY SNAZZ MOSES
EVENT ORGANISER OF THE YEAR-DERRICK HAILE
VIDEO OF THE YEAR-AKASINGYE NOKEHA BY FACT ZAMANI
Best fashion ICON- DERRICK COLLECTIONS (KABALE)
Dj of the year- DJ KAFALL (KANUNGU)
MC of the year – MC AUSTIN (KABALE)
Promoter of the year- OTA OTA (KABALE)
Event organizer of the year – DERRICK HAILE (KABALE)
Best Sports presenter- MC KIWA, RUBANDA FM (KABALE)
BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST OF THE YEAR-HAYES WILLIT
FLYEST GANG- KIHIHI LIFESTYLE CIRCLE
SPORTS ANALYST OF THE YEAR- PRINCE JUNIOR KISORO
HONORARY AWARDS
LEADERSHIP IN COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD-LIANA – KABALE CHRISTIAN CARE
CHEF OF THE YEAR- TIMOTHY TITUS
OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY CHAMPION- MRS JULIE SOLBERG
TEENS LEADERS 2023
ASIIMWE NOBERT-MR TEENS KIGEZI
AINEMBABAZI ASHLEY- MISS TEENS KIGEZI
ASIIMWE BABRA- MISS CULTURE
NABASA SOLOMON- MR CULTURE
ASIIMIRE FRANKLYN- MISS FASHIONISTA
SAMMY PROVIDER- MR FASHIONISTA
TAREMWA JOSHUA-MR CREATIVITY
NALUWAGI HALIMA- MISS CREATIVITY
AYEBARE GRACE- MISS TALENT
VICTOR VICKIE- MR TALENT
BIRYABA TONNY – MR POPULARITY
UWASE NASHIFA- MISS POPULARITY
“Meaningfully engaging young people is the first step to the realization of our rights and the need to change our society,” he concluded.
