As Uganda joins the world to mark the International Youth Day, The Youth Coalition for Change have advised government to work towards subsidizing the different initiatives and business ventures started by the youths in the country.
The day in the country was celebrated under the theme: “The road to 2030; Eradicating poverty and achieving sustainable production and consumption” at St. Charles Lwanga College in Koboko District to be précised over by the President.
According to a statement of the State Minister for Youth and Children, Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi, the theme is focused towards the government commitment to sustainable development goals and more specifically to end poverty in all its forms.
It aims at promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all as well as ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns.
The Youth activists led by their national coordinator, Augustine Ojobile remarked that the goal set by the Minister in her statement highlighting ending of poverty and promotion of an all inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all in a middle income status by 203; was unattainable given the current status of the youth countrywide.
He said, “The Youth currently have no jobs and many have resorted to sports betting and prostitution; just here at William street in Kampala, there are over 7 sports betting companies and over 10 lodges that harbor prostitutes,” Ojobile noted.
The Youths called upon government to rise and provide support to youth owned businesses and initiatives
“The ever increasing rent which is now paid in dollars, fuel charges and high electricity bills are making it hard for the youth to establish successful businesses,” noted Robert Mayanja the group spokesperson.