Skills development, women empowerment dominate youth discussions on Uganda’s future

The hashtag was used by young people to express their worries about a variety of issues, including empowering women and young girls, preventing sexual and gender-based violence and harmful behaviours, enhancing young people's education and skill development, ensuring access to high-quality healthcare services and health information, raising awareness of mental health issues, and fostering an inclusive society that promotes mobility and equality.

One Twitter user, Viola Happiness, drew attention to the glaring disparities in healthcare accessibility across the country, especially for adolescent girls and mothers. With limited infrastructure and a scarcity of healthcare professionals in rural areas, the delivery of adequate healthcare remains a challenge, impeding efforts to improve overall health outcomes, specifically sexual and reproductive health. This youth questioned what measures could be taken to bridge this gap and achieve the desired future.

Another young advocate, Beewol, posed thought-provoking questions, asking what kind of future should be envisioned for young people and what they should aspire to have. These inquiries encourage reflection on the values and goals that should guide the development of the nation.

The urgency of ending violence against women and girls was highlighted by Immaculate Ninsiima, who emphasised that approximately 22% of women aged 15–49 have experienced sexual violence at least once in their lifetime. This call to action resonated with the aspirations of #TheFutureWeWantUG, which aimed at creating a society free from such harmful practises and, in the long run, empower girls, women, and youth.

Even Dr. Kizza Blair, who has a substantial following on Twitter, joined the conversation, raising awareness about the harmful practise of Female Genital Mutilation and questioned its justification, particularly for young children. By sharing these thought-provoking questions, Kizza added depth to the ongoing dialogue and encouraged critical thinking.

It is worth noting that Uganda has one of the youngest and fastest-growing populations globally, with a population growth rate of 3.7%, as reported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The emergence of young voices on social media platforms demonstrates their determination to actively participate in shaping the future of their country.

The engagement of the youth on Twitter, utilising the hashtag #TheFutureWeWantUG, showcased their collective desire for positive change and a more inclusive society.

Through their impassioned expressions and thought-provoking questions, these young advocates were pushing for progress and urging others to join the conversation.

Their voices resonated with the hopes and dreams of an entire generation, and it is inspiring to witness their commitment to shaping a better future for Uganda.