Katikkiro arrives at the 2024 Youth Day celebration in Lubiri, Mengo, welcomed by Minister Owek. Robert Serwanga.
The Katikkiro (Prime Minister) of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has strongly criticised youth who indulge in idleness and fail to engage in productive activities that could improve their lives.
Speaking at the Lubiri Palace in Mengo on Saturday during the climax of celebrations to mark Youth Day, themed "Promoting Skills, Creativity, and Talents for Youth Development," the Katikkiro emphasised that many young people possess diverse talents such as singing, dancing, playing soccer, and playing musical instruments.
However, he lamented that many of these talents remain untapped because the youth are idle and complacent.
"We do not want to hear any young person say, ‘Government, come and help us.’ We want youth who are hardworking, resilient, and proactive," Katikkiro Mayiga stated.
He further explained the Baganda proverb “Baseesa gwaka” (help only comes to those who help themselves) to encourage young people to take initiative in improving their lives before expecting support from others.
Katikkiro addressing the youth who showcased various items at the event
The Katikkiro also highlighted the significance of youthfulness as a critical stage in life where decisions shape one’s future. He urged young people to channel their energy into excelling at something valuable and developing it to high standards for personal growth and societal benefit.
He called on the youth to be innovative by identifying challenges in their communities and finding solutions, while also nurturing their talents instead of leaving them dormant, likening untapped talent to undiscovered gold.
Katikkiro commended the Buganda Minister for Youth, Hon. Robert Serwanga, and the organising team for putting together the event, describing it as a true reflection of Kabaka’s vision for empowering youth during his reign.
The Buganda youth greet the Katikkiro at the event as he offers them advice and encouragement
The Buganda Minister for Youth, Sports, and Talent Development, Hon. Robert Serwanga, emphasised two key principles for success: identifying one’s goals and focusing on achieving them instead of dwelling on obstacles.
He encouraged the youth to start small within their communities by supporting and collaborating with those around them.
He also advised hardworking youth to remain consistent and determined in their pursuits to become winners. The minister acknowledged participants in the celebrations and presented the Katikkiro with outstanding young individuals who excelled in various activities organised for the day.
Buganda Youth Chairperson, Mr. Baker Ssejjengo, shared updates on achievements made by the youth over the past year, including their participation in the Katikkiro’s initiative to promote coffee farming, which he noted has garnered significant enthusiasm among the youth. He expressed gratitude to Katikkiro for spearheading this visionary effort.
Mr. Najib Nsubuga, Chairperson of the event's organising committee, briefed the Katikkiro on the various activities held during the celebrations and thanked everyone who supported the day's events, which were designed to highlight the theme through a series of competitions and showcases.
The youth participated in a variety of activities, including showcasing their work, bicycle races among Buganda counties (Masaza), traditional wrestling (Ekigwo Ekiganda), singing, panel discussions on the theme, as well as netball and soccer matches between Bannankobazambogo groups and Masaza teams
The opening of bicycle races among the different Masaza counties of Buganda at the event
In soccer, Buweekula emerged victorious among boys, Bulemeezi won in netball, Nkumba University claimed victory in soccer for the Nkobazambogo teams, while Buganda Royal Institute triumphed in netball.
The Katikkiro concluded with a call for youth to shun laziness and embrace hard work, innovation, and self-reliance to ensure personal and collective progress in Buganda and beyond.