BY ALEX PITHUA

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has lauded the Youth Platform Africa (YPA) for its remarkable strides in agricultural transformation and agribusiness expansion.

In a press release dated May 9, 2025, the presidential press unit reported that the president was thrilled to note YPA’s growth from managing a herd of 100 goats to 110,000 goats and expanding maize cultivation from one acre to 36,000 acres.

Museveni highlighted that this impressive progress reflects dedication to wealth creation and job opportunities through commercial farming.

Represented by the Minister of State for Children and Youth Affairs, Balaam Barugahara, the president spoke at YPA’s Annual General Meeting and Agricultural Expo at Kololo Independence Grounds on Thursday.

Museveni urged Ugandans to combat poverty by transitioning to a market-driven economy, noting that poverty and social stagnation stem from remaining outside the economic mainstream. He pointed out that 37% of Ugandan households remain engaged in subsistence farming, producing solely for consumption without surplus for market sale.

“Without money, you cannot participate in the economy as a consumer of goods and services. There are four sectors where wealth and jobs can be created. These are: commercial agriculture, industries, services and ICT. The wealth funds like the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, Youth Fund, etc., are aimed at integrating the remaining 37% of the households that are still subsistence farming into the money economy,” he noted.

The president also commended YPA for leveraging favorable conditions, including peace and robust infrastructure such as roads and electricity, to drive wealth and job creation through agriculture.

Col. Edith Nakalema, Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), expressed appreciation for contributing to YPA’s discussions, which channel youth potential toward shaping Uganda’s and the world’s agricultural future.

“I am delighted to see open-handed support for this gathering, which in my view, reflects the commitment to agriculture as the passageway to youth employment. Through the lenses of Youth Platform Africa, the destiny of Uganda lies in the power of youth to steer innovation, empowerment and transformation,” Col. Nakalema said.

Dr. Joseph Muvawala, Executive Director of the National Planning Authority (NPA), praised YPA’s leader, Obed, for fostering economic prosperity among youth through agribusiness.

“YPA’s efforts align with strategies to help Uganda meet its development goals. With more leaders like Obed, the president’s vision for rapid agricultural and economic progress will be realized,” he said.

YPA’s Managing Director, Obed, shared that the organization began in 2008 as a small village group of 21 members, evolving into a Community-Based Organization by 2010 with 60 members now serving as the Board of Governors, Executive Committee, and Managing Directors.

He emphasized that YPA is dedicated to empowering individuals and fostering positive change across Africa.

“Our innovative programs span agribusiness, technology, and entrepreneurship, with a mission to equip young Africans with opportunities to thrive and create lasting impact in their communities.”