By Sophan Niwamanya
apearlnews.com
The state Minister for Trade, Industries, and Cooperatives, David Bahati, has appealed to the youths to love their country without any form of sectarianism.
The Bible says in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” If you follow this wisdom, your foundation in life will be built on a solid rock, and God will light your path through life.
This was contained in his message that was read for him by the Kabale Resident District Commissioner Godfrey Nyakahuma at the closure of a 4-day youth conference of Rwanyena Catholic Parish in Ryakarimira town council, Kabale district.
Below are the key points that Minister Bahati suggested to the youths today, adding that they are important to form a solid foundation in order to fulfill any youth’s purpose in life.
Patriotism
In order to succeed in life, you should love your country without any form of sectarianism. The challenges we face today of poverty, disease, etc. affect all of us and have no religion or tribe. We need to remain united to be able to overcome them. I urge you, my young friends, to shun all forms of sectarianism and live a healthy life. Don’t indulge in things that can destroy your life because this nation needs you when you are alive.- Belief in yourself
Regardless of your background, you should never let anyone make you feel like a nobody.We were all created in God’s image, and each one of us counts. The theme of this conference has ably brought this fundamental aspect to light.
4. Determination to achieve excellence
Whatever field of life you are engaged in, please have the determination to work for excellence. If you are studying, please study hard to excel. If you are a farmer, do your best. I urge you to be the best of whatever you are.
5. Take advantage of the opportunities available to you.
My young brothers and sisters, there are doors of opportunity that were not open to your mothers and fathers in their years. The task at hand now is to be ready to face these doors as they open.
The NRM government, led by H. E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has created opportunities for the youth.We have put in place the following programs, to mention but a few, which you can take advantage of to develop yourself:
Emyooga: Every year, we allocate funds to our constituency for various enterprises in which the youth can participate.
Parish Development Model: Beginning with this financial year 2022-2023, the government has allocated UGX 100 million to every parish, and out of this, 30%, that is, Ugx 30 million, is reserved for young people. Please start strategizing and utilize these funds to develop yourselves.
On the education front, the government started Universal primary Education and USE to help the children of the poor access education. I know that there are some challenges with school fees and other charges. Tomorrow, January 23, 2023, as Cabinet is discussing this matter to find a way forward, the Ministry of Education and Sports will inform you of the next course of action;
On health: The NRM government has been giving free immunization to all the children of Uganda, and this has helped to reduce the infant mortality rate from 117 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1986 to 39 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2023. This has also contributed to an increase in our life expectancy from 41 years in 1991 to 63 years today.
Minister Bahati also contributed four million shillings towards the youth conference.
Rev. Fr. Placid Mugumya, the Secretary for the Kabale Diocese, Bishop Calist Rubaramira During his sermon at Mass, the bishop encouraged the youth to live exemplary lives and make a difference among other Christians.
He said that youth should be of value and live to inspire others.
