Youth Leaders Rally Against Budget Cuts to National Youth Council #FDTvNews/#FDTvUpdates

KAMPALA – In a strong display of unity and determination, youth leaders from across Uganda convened today in an emergency meeting called by the National Youth Council (NYC) chairperson Jacob Eyeru to address the detrimental consequences of the recently announced budget cuts for the youth sector. With an overwhelming 78% of the country’s population below the age of 30, the decision to reduce funding to NYC has sparked concerns among the nation’s youth.

The NYC budget has been cut by 80% from 4bn shillings to 8 million shillings in the 22/23 FY irrespective of the increment of this year’s budget compared to that of last year.

Emphasizing the urgent need for a renewed mode of conversation between the government, parliament, and the youth, the NYC Chairperson expressed the gravity of the situation on his Twitter account saying, “Clearly, the government and parliament must recognize the importance of engaging in meaningful dialogue with the youth,” the Chairperson stated. “We are determined to initiate this .”

During the meeting held in Kampala on Thursday, delegates from NYC engaged in comprehensive discussions regarding the negative implications of the new fiscal year 2023/2024 budget. A conversation that led to the Hon. Speaker of Parliament Annita Among’s office presenting a petition, urging a review of the budget cuts targeting the youth. The petition highlighted the vital role NYC plays in empowering and supporting the nation’s young population.

As the nation awaits a response from Speaker Rt. Hon. Anita Among and Parliament, the unity and determination exhibited by the youth leaders at the emergency meeting serve as a powerful reminder of the immense potential that lies within Uganda’s young generation.