DANIEL MUMBYA: The Member of Parliament for Kigulu North, Hon. Samuel Bamutaze Kungu, has urged young people to embrace modern technology, particularly smartphones and internet-based platforms, as tools for innovation, business development, access to information and income generation.

Hon. Kungu noted that smartphone ownership among young people in Uganda is growing, while internet access is becoming increasingly affordable, creating opportunities for youths to venture into digital businesses.

He encouraged young people to explore opportunities such as online shopping, digital marketing, advertising and connecting with international markets, saying these platforms could help address unemployment and improve their daily incomes.

However, he expressed concern that some youths were misusing smartphones by engaging in online abuse, attacking politicians on social media, creating unproductive TikTok content and accessing pornographic material, warning that such practices could negatively affect their mental well-being, productivity and economic prospects.

The legislator also called upon young people to shun drug and substance abuse, particularly during their most productive years, when they should be investing their energy in building their future. He raised concern over the increasing cases of drug abuse in Iganga District, attributing the problem to the easy availability and low cost of substances such as marijuana, crude alcohol and other illicit drugs.

Hon. Kungu further observed that the proliferation of ghetto groups across the district was a growing concern, noting that some sub-counties reportedly have between five and ten such groups. He called for stronger interventions to address substance abuse, unemployment and poverty among young people. He also challenged youths to avoid irresponsible sexual behaviour and other practices that could jeopardise their health and future ambitions.

The MP expressed concern over increasing cases of teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections among young people, particularly school-going girls. He noted that these challenges can interrupt education, limit opportunities and expose young people to long-term social and economic difficulties.

The remarks were made during Youth Day celebrations held at Ibanda Primary School in Kidago Sub-county, where hundreds of young people, district leaders and other stakeholders gathered to discuss challenges affecting the youth and explore opportunities for their social and economic advancement.

Meanwhile, the Woman Member of Parliament for Iganga District, Hon. Mariam Saif, called upon young people to embrace government poverty alleviation programmes, including the Youth Livelihood Programme, Emyooga and the Parish Development Model (PDM), to improve their economic well-being.

Hon. Saif encouraged youths to form and join organised groups, saying collective efforts would strengthen unity, improve access to government programmes and enable them to address common challenges. She also emphasised the importance of skills development, calling for the establishment of technical and vocational training institutions in every sub-county to bring practical training opportunities closer to young people.

According to the legislator, expanding access to vocational education would equip youths with practical and employable skills, enabling them to become self-reliant and create their own employment opportunities. The Iganga District Youth Council Chairperson, Franco Gwaita, highlighted some of the major challenges affecting young people, including unemployment, limited youth participation in government programmes and the tendency among some youths to undermine one another.

Gwaita said the District Youth Council had identified several projects aimed at addressing these challenges and improving the livelihoods of young people. He revealed that the council was planning to establish a Youth Corner House, a facility that would provide space for skills development, entrepreneurship and the promotion of young people’s talents.

He explained that the proposed facility would be divided into different sections to support basic skills training, display and marketing of arts and crafts, as well as other income-generating activities that would benefit young people. Gwaita urged youths across the district to join organised associations and work together, emphasising that unity, collaboration and collective action were essential for building a better future for the young generation.