Minister Lakisa pledges support to AAYC

What the report says

KAMPALA, Uganda — The Afro-Arab Youth Council (AAYC) said it is deepening ties with Uganda’s youth leadership structures after a courtesy meeting with State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs Mercy Faith Lakisa. The discussion took place yesterday and was led by AAYC Secretary General Dr. Abbas Agaba, who used the visit to introduce the council’s work and seek areas of cooperation.

According to Watchdog Uganda, the talks focused on ways to broaden opportunities for young people and strengthen youth participation in development, leadership, innovation and regional cooperation. Dr. Agaba outlined AAYC’s mandate and programs, describing the organization as a bridge linking young people in Africa and the Arab world around shared development goals. He also emphasized partnerships with governments, civil society, the private sector and youth institutions as a way to turn youth aspirations into practical initiatives.

The minister welcomed the engagement and pledged support for AAYC, saying she was open to working closely with the council on programs that respond to young people’s needs. She also said she intends to visit the AAYC Secretariat for further discussions. The report says the meeting could help strengthen institutional links between Uganda and a regional youth platform at a time when many young people are seeking a greater role in employment, entrepreneurship, education, peacebuilding and policy decisions.