Empowering Uganda’s Youth: The Uganda-UN Joint Adolescent and Youth Program

More than 25,000 young people in Uganda stand to gain from the Uganda-UN Joint Adolescent and Youth Program (UNJYP), which boasts a budget of Shs 84.1 billion. This initiative aims to address various aspects crucial to youth development, including social protection, adolescent health, skills development, economic empowerment, and increased participation in key areas such as peacebuilding, environmental conservation, and tackling climate change.

Central to the program is the empowerment of youth to make informed decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health and rights. Initially, the program will roll out in eight districts: Yumbe, Terego, Kotido, Moroto, Kampala, Lamwo, Kiryandongo, and Namayingo. These districts were chosen based on their urgent needs and the strategic investment zones identified by participating UN Agencies.

With Uganda boasting one of the youngest populations globally, with over 78 percent under 35, and this demographic projected to double in the next 25 years, the importance of initiatives like UNJYP cannot be overstated. Laura Criado Lafuente, the gender and youth program coordinator at UNFPA, emphasized the critical role of quality education in national development. Cooperation between 13 UN agencies and the government is underway to formulate a national plan of action for youth peace and security.

The program’s aim extends beyond direct beneficiaries to create a broader social movement. By engaging parents, community leaders, and religious figures as allies, the initiative seeks to foster an environment conducive to gender equality and informed decision-making among young people.

Mondo Kyateka, assistant commissioner in charge of Youth Affairs, stressed the program’s focus on bridging the gap between labor market demands and the skills offered by educational institutions. Meaningful youth participation in peace, security, and climate action is also prioritized to safeguard the environment and empower young voices.

Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, the state minister for Children and Youth Affairs, commended the collaborative efforts and pledged support for the program, emphasizing inclusivity and the ministry’s commitment to serving all youth regardless of background.

The UNJYP joint steering committee will operate on two levels: political and programmatic. At the political level, leadership will be shared between the minister of Gender and the UN resident coordinator, while the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Gender will co-chair the programmatic level with UNFPA taking the technical lead. Active involvement of the National Youth Council and Uganda National Students Association is ensured.