Minister Urges Youth Parliament to Champion Service Over Titles as Government Reinforces Youth Empowerment Agenda
Dr. Lakisa Mercy Faith, Minister for Youth Affairs, delivered a keynote address at the 2nd Sitting of the 8th Uganda National Youth Parliament, challenging young legislators to lead with integrity and purpose while reaffirming the Government's commitment to translating youth-driven resolutions into actionable policies. She highlighted previous legislative wins, including tax incentives for youth-led enterprises, as evidence of the Parliament's tangible impact on national governance.
LCC TV NEWS
Kampala, Uganda – In a stirring address that underscored the transformative power of youth engagement, Dr. Lakisa Mercy Faith, the Minister responsible for Youth Affairs, today delivered the keynote speech at the 2nd Sitting of the 8th Uganda National Youth Parliament. The session, convened by Faraja Africa, provided a platform for young legislators to deliberate on national issues and advocate for policy reforms.
Reflecting on her own trajectory, Dr. Lakisa described the moment as both humbling and a "full-circle" experience, noting that her leadership journey originated on similar youth parliamentary platforms long before her appointment to the Cabinet. "My leadership journey did not begin in Cabinet; it began on youth parliamentary platforms just like this one, where young people are empowered to debate, lead, and shape the future of our nation," she stated.
Speaking under the theme, "Different Contexts, Common Aspirations," the Minister challenged the Youth Members of Parliament to anchor their leadership in integrity, discipline, and a clear sense of purpose. She emphasized that true leadership is not defined by titles or visibility but by service, character, and the courage to faithfully represent the hopes and aspirations of the people.
Dr. Lakisa reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering commitment to expanding opportunities for young people through a multi-pronged strategy that includes quality education, decent employment, enterprise development, and responsive institutions. She urged the young parliamentarians to transcend the conventional role of identifying challenges, encouraging them to instead present practical, evidence-based solutions capable of shaping policy and transforming lives.
Highlighting the tangible impact of the National Youth Parliament, the Minister noted that previous resolutions have successfully translated into actionable policy discussions. Notably, calls for tax incentives for youth-led start-ups and stronger anti-corruption measures were advanced through the Uganda Parliamentary Forum for Youth Affairs (UPFYA) to the Floor of Parliament, where they informed legislative action. "This is a powerful reminder that your resolutions are not merely symbolic; they are catalysts for meaningful institutional reform," she asserted.
Dr. Lakisa concluded by reaffirming the Ministry’s dedication to reviewing resolutions from the House, coordinating across government, and translating ideas into impactful policy. She called for continued collaboration among statutory institutions, civil society, and development partners to ensure a seamless transition from dialogue to action and from aspiration to lasting impact for Uganda’s young people.
The National Youth Parliament remains a critical pillar in the country’s democratic framework, serving as a breeding ground for future leaders and a conduit for the voices of the nation's youth.
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