On International Youth Day 2025, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC) joined partners Twaweza, Media Challenge Initiative, Uwezo, Action for Health, and SEMA to commemorate the Youth and their contribution towards the development of Africa. During the event, new evidence from the Sauti za Wananchi survey sparked dialogue between young people and policymakers under the theme “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond.”
Uganda’s youth are not just the future; they are a critical force shaping the present. According to the 2024 National Housing and Population Census, Uganda’s population now stands at 45.9 million, with young people aged 18–30 making up 22.7%. Yet, this youthful energy is constrained by unemployment, rising living costs, and limited opportunities to influence decisions that affect their lives.
The Reality behind the numbers
The survey revealed striking insights:
- Unemployment Crisis: 39% of young citizens identified unemployment as Uganda’s most serious problem. Nearly 42.6% of youth (15–24) are not in education, employment, or training (NEET).
- Cost of Living: Young people feel inflation pressures more acutely, making livelihoods harder to sustain.
- Health & Wellbeing: Poor access to health services emerged as a top concern, especially in rural regions.
- Civic Participation: Youth are less likely to attend community or budget meetings, underscoring the need for more inclusive platforms.
These concerns mirror what many young Ugandans experience daily: joblessness, economic uncertainty, and limited platforms to be heard.
AFIC’s Contribution: Access to Information as a tool for opportunity
During the event, AFIC spotlighted youth participation in public procurement, particularly Uganda’s 15% reservation scheme for special interest groups (including youth). This policy has the potential to unlock opportunities for young entrepreneurs, but only if they know where the opportunities are and have the tools to compete.
That is why access to information matters. Procurement data, when open and accessible, transforms policies from promises into platforms for livelihoods. AFIC shared tools and strategies to help young people go beyond statistics, using information to demand accountability and seize opportunities.
Going beyond the statistic: From data to action
International Youth Day was designed not just to present data but to bring it to life. In interactive “Beyond the Statistic” sessions, participants:
- Read out key statistics (e.g., “42.6% of youth are NEET”),
- Reflected on root causes,
- Designed quick, actionable solutions, and
- Committed personal pledges to act.
This approach helped young people connect numbers to lived realities—and gave policymakers grounded recommendations to respond to.
Building Momentum
Young Ugandans made it clear: they don’t want more promises. They want platforms, opportunities, and accountability. By blending evidence (through surveys), platforms (through events), and tools (through access to information), AFIC and partners are ensuring youth voices drive real policy change.
“We don’t want more promises; we want platforms to build livelihoods.” One of the participants.
Looking forward
The outcome of this year’s International Youth Day dialogue is a call for inclusive, evidence-based policies. AFIC remains committed to amplifying youth voices and ensuring that access to information and open procurement systems work for young people.
👉Read more about AFIC’s work on access to information and procurement here.
