Today, I had the privilege of officiating the launch of the Uganda Hotspot Program, a targeted and vital initiative aimed at bringing a definitive end to child and forced marriages in the Karamoja sub-region. This program marks a decisive milestone in our national journey to champion the rights of children, empower young girls, and strengthen community-led solutions to tackle deep-rooted socio-cultural challenges.
Overcoming these harmful practices requires more than policy; it demands a shared commitment across every level of society. It is only through the active engagement of our traditional leaders, local communities, government bodies, and international partners that we can build sustainable protection networks that safeguard our children’s futures.
Our mandate is clear: to ensure every child, regardless of their background, has the safety, freedom, and support needed to remain in school and pursue their aspirations. Together, we are laying the foundation for a Karamoja where every young girl is valued, protected, and empowered to reach her full potential.
Today, I led a team for an inspection and monitoring assessment of the Jua Kali Programme in Lira, implemented by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD). The programme seeks to transform Uganda’s informal sector by equipping artisans with practical skills, tools and equipment to strengthen their enterprises, improve productivity and support business formalisation.
With the informal sector accounting for approximately 92% of employment in Uganda, initiatives such as Jua Kali and SENTE are critical to expanding economic opportunities, safeguarding livelihoods and creating sustainable jobs. The assessment focused on implementation progress, beneficiary performance, utilisation of tools and equipment, and operational challenges affecting enterprise growth across sectors including tailoring, carpentry, welding, agro-processing, ICT, transport, cosmetology and catering.
I have directed the technical teams to strengthen beneficiary verification, enforce accountability and ensure transparent and equitable delivery of programme resources. Our focus must go beyond distributing tools to delivering measurable impact through sustainable businesses, increased household incomes and job creation. Empowering Uganda’s informal workforce is essential to inclusive growth and our broader socio-economic transformation agenda.
Today, I continued my field monitoring exercise in Nakasongola District to evaluate the performance of government programs especially the Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP). The assessment revealed critical bottlenecks, including low revolving fund recovery rates, climate-related agricultural disruptions, market access constraints, and gaps in financial literacy among beneficiary groups.
I have directed the technical team to immediately enforce stricter supervision, rigorous follow-up, and robust recovery plans. Public funds must be managed with absolute accountability, and any negligence by officers in executing their mandates will be met with firm administrative action.
Our commitment is resolute: government programmes must deliver tangible results. We will continue safeguarding public resources, strengthening youth enterprises, and ensuring that these interventions drive real socio-economic transformation.
Yesterday, I engaged with my fellow Youth Members of Parliament to align our collective efforts in driving youth development across the country.🤝
From legislative synergies on the floor of Parliament to practical community outreach, we agreed on clear strategies to ensure young people are informed, empowered, and able to benefit directly from government initiatives.
Unified leadership and deliberate coordination are vital to ensuring no young person is left behind. Moving forward together!
@Parliament_Ug
Today was a profound privilege to engage with the National Women’s Council during their orientation session as they kick-start their leadership tenure.
True leadership is a mandate for structural transformation, and we must walk this path together. I charged our council leaders to take the helm and lead a united national movement for women’s economic empowerment. My challenge to them is clear: stand at the forefront of advocating for women���s financial autonomy and collaborate across all levels to ensure the 30% affirmative parish funding reaches every woman.
Having ascended to the pinnacle of governance, I urge them to reflect on how they will convert the insights acquired today into systemic change, catalyzing progress within their communities and driving the broader transformation of our country.
Thank you, my brother Afande Jackson, for the courtesy visit to my office today and for the fruitful discussion on child protection and positive parenting in the digital era. Through your valuable book, we shall continue to nurture, protect, and empower our children for a brighter future.
Asante!
Team Uganda for the CAVB Zone V Beach Volleyball Tour! 🏐
👩 Ladies
• Claire Najjuuko/Purity Nalua Nekesa
• Margret Namyalo/Eunice Amuron
👨 Men
• Isaac Ogusul/John Baptist Ogire
• Aziizi Busingye/Luc Florent Kimararungu
Coaches: Edward Bwenje & Shamim Makongoro
Honored to join partners and stakeholders in celebrating 50 years of shared values, progress, and cooperation between Uganda and the European Union.From the remarkable energy at the Research & Study Fair at Makerere University to an engaging evening hosted by H.E. Ambassador Jan Sadek at the EU Residence, one key message stood out: our shared future is bright, and it belongs to our youth.
My commitment remains firm, young people are not merely beneficiaries of development; they are the innovators, researchers, and leaders actively driving Uganda forward. Through targeted investments in education, practical skills development, and innovation, we are opening sustainable opportunities for every young Ugandan to thrive.
Here’s to 50 years of solid partnership, and to an even stronger commitment to empowering the next generation for a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient future.
The lives of athletes comes with lots of pressure to perform and balance other aspects of life. As we celebrate the #worldmentalhealthday, let’s advocate for players mental health awareness.
The #EUandUganda50 🇺🇬 Research & Study Fair brought students, researchers & innovators to explore opportunities in education & research.
The conversations continued at a reception hosted by our Ambassador @JanSadek, alongside 🇪🇺 Heads of Mission & State Minister @MercyLakiskis
🏆 MVPs of NCC 2026!
Congs again to Celilia Abak Lado (Sport-S), Women’s Most Valuable Player, and Liet Deng (Sport-S), Men’s Most Valuable Player, for their outstanding performances at the National Club Championship 2026.
Well deserved! 👏🔥
#NCC2026#UgandaVolleyball
It was a pleasure to grace the National Girl Champion Awards 2026 under the theme "Increasing Opportunities for Girls & Young Women." We know talent alone is not enough, without safe spaces, technology, and mentorship, brilliant ideas remain unfulfilled dreams.
To our 2026 nominees: whether your name was called that night or not, you are champions. Your work in education, health, and climate action is shaping a stronger Uganda. My charge to every young woman: Believe in your vision, Build your skills, and Bring others with you. True leadership is measured by how many people rise because you were there. Empowering our girls cannot be Government's work alone but our collective efforts.
Deep appreciation to Kaleke Kasome Foundation, Prof. Maggie Kigozi, Nile Girls Forum, and all partners for building an ecosystem where girls thrive. Let us move from celebrating girls to actively investing in them. #GirlChampion2026
Today, I continued my engagements with local leaders and key stakeholders across the Acholi and Lango sub-regions to strengthen the rollout of the GROW Business Plan Competition.
I reaffirmed our commitment to fairness and integrity. Like the message is clear applying to the GROW competition is 100% free. Any attempt to charge applicants or exploit youth will not be tolerated. I urge local leaders to guide their communities, ensure accurate information reaches young entrepreneurs, and report any corrupt practices immediately.
Ahead of our upcoming Hands-on Business Clinics, I task all Commercial and Focal Point Officers with providing direct, practical guidance to young applicants. Together, we will expand opportunities and drive lasting economic growth across Acholi, Lango, and Uganda.