Hon. Ahmed Lwasa and Hon. Mariam Mayanja Nkalubo arriving at the ceremony
Official reports show that the number of children and youth in Uganda is significantly higher than that of adults. Uganda is among the countries with the youngest population in the world.
This implies that the future of the nation could either be bright or uncertain, depending on how we nurture and support the younger generation.
The Katikkiro's message, delivered by the Deputy Speaker of the Buganda Lukiiko, Oweek. Ahmed Lwasa, at the closing ceremony of a three-day youth community service camp at Lubiri, Mmengo, emphasised this.
He stated that the Baganda have long recognized the value of children, which is why they say, “Young trees strengthen the forest,” meaning that a nation’s strength lies in its children and youth.
The band performs to entertain the guests
Oweek. Lwasa encouraged the children to appreciate the significance of the camp and to focus on what they can learn from such experiences, rather than merely asking for handouts.
The Minister of Welfare, Environment and Human Settlements, Oweek. Hajjat Mariam Nkalubo Mayanja, applauded the initiative, stating that nurturing well-prepared youth, like those in the scouts, will solidify Buganda’s future.
However, she warned those digging for food in King’s Lake to stop immediately, as the fish have died due to an oil spill in the lake.
To emphasise the importance of this issue, she pledged on behalf of the community to organise monthly clean-ups of Kabaka Lake to help restore and maintain its cleanliness.
Finally, she encouraged the children to reflect on the lessons they had learned at the camp and apply them in their communities.
Children happily enjoying a meal together
The camp was centred around the theme, “Welfare among the prepared youth is the strength of Buganda.”
The culmination of the camp's celebrations will take place on October 8 at the Nyenga District Court in Kyaggwe.