Mercy Kanyesigye addressing the media after a closed door meeting with NYC officials.
The National Female Youth Member of Parliament-elect, Mercy Kanyesigye, has held talks with the leadership of the National Youth Council (NYC), with both sides pledging to work together to address youth unemployment and improve funding for youth programmes.
The meeting took place in Ntinda, Kampala, where Kanyesigye paid a courtesy call on the Council to discuss areas of collaboration aimed at strengthening youth representation in Parliament and advancing the youth development agenda.
National Youth Council Chairperson Ongom Daniel said the Council requires stronger legislative support to effectively push youth priorities at the national level.
“The National Youth Council has ideas and structures across the country, but we do not sit in Parliament. It is important that we work closely with leaders like Hon. Kanyesigye to ensure the youth agenda is properly represented,” Ongom said.
He identified youth unemployment as one of the most pressing challenges, calling for increased support for youth-led enterprises.
“Young people need a dedicated startup fund. Women have GROW, persons with disabilities have their fund, and the youth must also be supported to create jobs,” he added.
Kanyesigye said addressing youth unemployment requires coordinated efforts from government, Parliament, and development partners.
“This challenge cannot be solved by one institution alone. We need cooperation among stakeholders to empower young people economically,” she said.
She also raised concern over the limited budget allocated to the National Youth Council, noting that its current annual allocation of about Shs4 billion is insufficient.
“We are pushing for an increase to at least Shs10 billion to enable effective monitoring of government programmes and ensure that young people benefit from initiatives such as the Parish Development Model,” Kanyesigye said.
The meeting agreed to intensify engagement with Parliament and relevant ministries to lobby for increased funding and improved youth participation in national development programmes.
Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world, making youth employment and empowerment a critical pillar for sustainable economic growth.
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