KAMPALA – Youth leaders under the National Youth Advocacy Platform have demanded that the government increase funding for youth empowerment programmes in the 2026/2027 national budget.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The youth leaders made their demands while engaging newly elected Members of Parliament, to whom they handed a document listing the main problems young people face and proposing solutions.
The National Youth Advocacy Platform (NYAP) delivered its demands as Uganda prepares for the reading of the national budget today, June 12, 2026, at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
Youth leader Evelyn Zalwango identified unemployment as Uganda’s biggest challenge and called for more budget resources for youth programmes, noting that young people make up 73% of the population.
She called for transforming the education system to teach practical and vocational skills, enabling youth to create jobs instead of chasing scarce formal employment.
“Unemployment is our biggest challenge, yet young people make up 73% of Uganda’s population. We need a budget that prioritises youth programmes and schools that teach practical and vocational skills to create jobs. Youth are ready to build, but we need the door opened for us,” said Zalwango.
Zalwango further urged the government to lower election contest fees and depoliticise youth programmes, so that capable young Ugandans can fully participate in leadership.
Maate Jorcus warned the government that ignoring young people is no longer an option, as Uganda’s largest population group continues to struggle with poverty and unemployment.
“The government must put young people first in the 2026/27 budget. We are the largest group in the population, but many of us still struggle with poverty and unemployment,” Jorcus noted.
Meanwhile, MP Denis Omodi Alyela encouraged the youth to use existing programmes like the Parish Development Model and Emyooga, while promising to work with fellow MPs on deeper concerns.
The legislators also urged young people to step into leadership and governance, reminding them that they have a real chance to influence the country’s decisions.
As Uganda awaits the national budget presentation, youth groups across the country continue to demand more funding for jobs, skills training, and fair leadership.
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