Vice President Jessica Alupo has underscored the importance of investing in and celebrating Uganda’s youth, noting that more than 75 per cent of the country’s population is below the age of 35.

Speaking during a meeting with youth leaders as they marked Youth Day, Alupo said Uganda’s youthful population presents both an opportunity and a responsibility for government to ensure that young people are equipped with the skills, opportunities and support needed to contribute to national development.

She said government is closely monitoring the progress and outcomes of programmes targeting young people, including initiatives whose messages and achievements are being presented on international platforms.

Alupo also highlighted the work of the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in promoting the empowerment of youth and other special-interest groups.

She said the government remains committed to ensuring that youth-focused interventions deliver tangible results and improve the livelihoods and prospects of young Ugandans.

With Uganda’s population predominantly young, Alupo emphasised the need for continued investment in youth empowerment as part of the country’s broader development agenda.