KAMPALA — The Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development in charge of Youth and Children Affairs, Dr. Mercy Faith Lakisa, yesterday engaged fellow Youth Members of Parliament to strengthen coordination and align efforts aimed at advancing youth development across Uganda.
Dr. Lakisa, who also serves as the Woman Member of Parliament for Alebtong District, said the engagement focused on building a common approach to youth empowerment and ensuring that young people across the country are better positioned to benefit from government programmes and initiatives.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the young legislators to discuss ways of strengthening cooperation in Parliament and extending their collective efforts to communities. The discussions emphasised the importance of aligning legislative priorities with practical interventions that respond to the needs and aspirations of Uganda’s young population.
Dr. Lakisa highlighted the need for stronger collaboration among youth representatives, noting that unified leadership and deliberate coordination are essential to achieving meaningful progress. She emphasised that working together would enable the legislators to advance shared priorities and strengthen their contribution to youth development.
The engagement also focused on improving young people’s access to information about government programmes. Dr. Lakisa stressed the importance of ensuring that youth are informed and empowered to take advantage of available opportunities, particularly those intended to support their social and economic development.
The minister further underscored the importance of community outreach in bringing government initiatives closer to young people. Through coordinated efforts, the legislators aim to strengthen awareness of available programmes and encourage greater youth participation in initiatives designed to improve livelihoods and promote self-reliance.
Dr. Lakisa noted that effective coordination among leaders is critical to ensuring that youth development efforts reach the intended beneficiaries. She emphasised the need for purposeful engagement and a shared commitment to addressing challenges facing young people, while ensuring that opportunities are accessible across different communities.
The engagement reaffirmed the importance of collective responsibility in advancing Uganda’s youth development agenda. Dr. Lakisa called for sustained cooperation among young Members of Parliament, stressing that unified leadership and coordinated action are vital to ensuring that no young person is left behind as the country pursues inclusive national development.
