The Kampala Area Federation of Communities-KAFOC has encouraged the government to monitor the engagement of youth in wealth creation programs as a method of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Prossy Maraka, KAFOC’s Programmes Director, made this statement while speaking to participants at a Youth Day Celebration event hosted at Kasubi Church of Uganda Primary School in Kampala, where a large number of youth gathered to celebrate.
Maraka observed that, even though there are numerous wealth creation Programmes, such as Emyooga and the Parish Development model, many of them have failed to establish direct relationships with the youth which would be the true objectives.
She explained that many of the youngsters under their umbrella organization have frequently complained that they are unable to access monies that are intended for them, making it difficult for them to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals.
“This country’s population is majorly comprised of youth, but the challenge we have had is that; youth are complaining that much as these programs have come out, they are not getting much from the, because they are not accessible much from them, which is a big challenge.” She said
Over two hundred (200) young people took part in the football and netball competitions at the one-day event in Kasubi. The four communities that made up these young people were Bbiina, Kireka, Mbuya, and Nakulabye.
Many young people interviewed by the Daily Press expressed their excitement for these kinds of events since they provide them with an opportunity to showcase their abilities and pursue professional careers in both football and netball.
Recognizing the rising rate of adolescent infection, KAFOC arranged HIV testing and counselling (HTC) for the adolescents in addition to the activities.
The organization acknowledges the significance of tackling the HIV/AIDS epidemic among youth, as demonstrated by the Uganda AIDS Commission’s 2022–2023 annual report.
The report revealed that 36 percent of new HIV infections occur in people between the ages of 15 and 24. Uganda reported 2,000 AIDS-related fatalities and 52,000 new infections in 2022 alone, underscoring the critical need to step up preventative efforts and set aside funds to reach lofty goals.
Maraka underlined that advancing sustainable development objectives necessitates giving youth welfare a top priority. Given recent data showing a high rate of HIV infection among youth, she underlined the necessity of promoting testing and
“If you look at the current research, HIV is on high, so whenever you have young people you encourage them to test and know where they stand, and if you are considering the sustainable development goals, their lives need to be protected if they are to contribute this country.” She added