Published on 09/08/2024
State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara vowed to Parliament that the government is actively working to release National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters who have been detained since 2021.
His assurance came amid growing concerns about the prolonged remand of these individuals. Barugahara emphasized the commitment to resolving the issue swiftly. The move aims to address the increasing public outcry for justice and fair treatment.
These individuals, most of whom were arrested during the November 2020 protests against the detention of Presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine and in the subsequent period before, during, and after the elections, remain incarcerated in various prisons.
The NUP, through the office of the Leader of Opposition in Parliament (LOP), has repeatedly called for the release of these mostly young supporters. During a parliamentary debate on Thursday regarding the upcoming International Youth Day on August 12,2024, Mukono Municipality legislator Betty Nambooze pressed Minister Barugahara for an update on the detained youths.”In his maiden speech to this House, the Minister promised that the imprisoned youth would be released. Can the Minister inform us, as we commemorate International Youth Day, how far he has progressed in fulfilling this promise?” Nambooze inquired.
In response, Minister Barugahara revealed that he recently discussed the matter with President Yoweri Museveni, emphasizing the urgency of releasing these youths who have been held without trial.”I want to inform you that we will issue a statement on Monday in Soroti. I met with the President yesterday and reminded him of his commitment. Let it be recorded in Parliament that those young people will soon gain their freedom,” the Minister stated.
Uganda will join the rest of the world in marking International Youth Day on Monday, with national celebrations set to be held at Soroti Core Primary Teachers College in Soroti District, where President Museveni will be the chief guest.
According to Barugahara, the event will be held under the theme, “Skills Development for Enhancement of Opportunities for Youth.”
Youth Empowerment Initiatives
Minister Barugahara also briefed Parliament on the progress of youth empowerment programs. Since the launch of the Youth Livelihood Program, the Government has allocated UGX 241.45 billion between the financial years 2013/14 and 2023/24, disbursing UGX 185.306 billion to 23,315 youth groups. However, only UGX 40.520 billion has been recovered, leaving UGX 144.786 billion uncollected for the program’s revolving fund.
Additionally, the Government has disbursed UGX 195.7 billion to 56,252 beneficiaries under the Youth Venture Capital Fund since 2012. The Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development has also skilled over 90 youth apprentices in the tourism and hospitality sector, trained 3,982 youths in digital literacy, and provided business toolkits and equipment to 17,015 youth groups to support their enterprises, among other key interventions.
