Museveni Commends YPA for Remarkable Transformation and Agribusiness Expansion

KAMPALA,  May 10, 2025 – President Yoweri Museveni has praised Youth Platform Africa [YPA] for its impressive journey of growth and transformation, particularly in the agribusiness sector.

“I am pleased to learn that you have grown from rearing just 100 goats to now managing 110,000 goats, and from cultivating maize on a single acre to now operating across 36,000 acres. This remarkable progress reflects your hard work and commitment to wealth and job creation through commercial agriculture. I thank the leaders and members of YPA for spreading the NRM’s message on wealth creation among the youth,” said Museveni.

His message was delivered by the Minister of State for Children and Youth Affairs, Balaam Barugahara, during the YPA Annual General Meeting and Expo held at Kololo Independence Grounds on Thursday.

The President urged Ugandans to fight poverty by integrating into the money economy, noting that poverty and social backwardness often result from people remaining on the margins of economic activity.

“In Uganda, 37 percent of households are still engaged in subsistence agriculture—producing only for their own consumption, without surplus for sale. Without money, one cannot actively participate in the economy as a consumer of goods and services,” Museveni said.

He outlined four sectors with potential for wealth and job creation: commercial agriculture, industry, services, and ICT. He also highlighted government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, and the Youth Fund, which aim to transition subsistence households into the money economy.

“A modern economy has two key actors: producers and consumers. Producers—such as farmers, industrialists, and service providers, create the goods and services we all need. Consumers make up the market that buys these goods and services. Without sufficient buyers, even the best product cannot sustain an enterprise. The larger the market, the greater the profit,” he explained.

Museveni commended YPA for capitalising on Uganda’s favourable conditions, peace and improved infrastructure such as roads and electricity to generate wealth and employment. He also thanked Col. Edith Nakalema, the Patron of YPA, for her support in nurturing youth-led initiatives.

“Youth are a national asset. They should be supported to channel their energy, creativity, and enthusiasm into productive activities that generate wealth and promote Uganda’s prosperity,” he added.

In his remarks, Minister Barugahara praised Ben Obed Rukuringamamanzi, the visionary behind YPA, for founding an initiative that has greatly contributed to youth economic empowerment. He also lauded President Museveni’s leadership for creating an environment conducive to business growth.

Col. Edith Nakalema, Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit [SHIPU], expressed pride in being part of YPA’s mission to empower young people and reshape Uganda’s future.

“I am delighted by the overwhelming support for this gathering. It demonstrates our shared commitment to agriculture as a gateway to youth employment. Through Youth Platform Africa, we are witnessing the power of young people to drive innovation, empowerment, and transformation,” she said.

She described the event as a powerful showcase of youth determination to contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.

“In a country blessed with arable land, agriculture is a low-hanging fruit. YPA’s achievements so far prove that young people can make agriculture a catalyst for economic growth and rural transformation,” Nakalema said.

She emphasised that the fight against poverty and unemployment requires more than words—it demands action. She called on Ugandans to invest in agribusiness, particularly in value addition along the entire agricultural value chain.

“Through this approach, you will demonstrate that agriculture is a foundation for generating social and economic wealth that addresses community challenges,” she urged.

“With the right mindset, your work has great potential to unlock Uganda’s youth capabilities. Be deliberate in turning your initiatives into a powerful force for youth economic empowerment.”

Dr Joseph Muvawala, Executive Director of the National Planning Authority [NPA], commended Rukuringamamanzi for playing a key role in enhancing youth prosperity through agriculture.

“I also thank the YPA members for growing the organisation. You are helping fulfil the President’s vision. As the nation’s chief planner, President Museveni has said Uganda must grow tenfold in the next 15 years. Initiatives like YPA will help us get there,” he said.

Muvawala pledged continued NPA support to help YPA achieve its development goals.

In his address, YPA Managing Director Rukuringamamanzi shared the organisation’s origins. YPA began in 2008 as a small village group of 21 people. By 2010, it had become a community-based organisation with 60 members.

To expand its operations and engage in international trade, YPA registered as BREC Youth Empowerment Africa Limited, a company limited by guarantee. The organisation now operates a range of projects, generating modest profits and receiving in-kind donations from across Africa in support of its charitable mission in Uganda.

“YPA is committed to empowering individuals and driving positive change across the African continent. Our initiatives span multiple sectors, including agribusiness, technology, and entrepreneurship. Our main goal is to provide young Africans with opportunities to thrive and make lasting impacts in their communities,” he said.

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