The Ministry of Local Government is participating in the Uganda National Youth Opportunity and Innovation Conference, which has brought together stakeholders from across the country to discuss opportunities and initiatives aimed at empowering young people.

Speaking at the conference, Mr. Naturida Junior, a Senior Inspector at the Ministry of Local Government, representing Commissioner Steven Koma, called on young people to make use of existing local government structures and Government programmes to access available opportunities and support.

He specifically urged young people to take advantage of programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and the Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP), and encouraged them to tap into the money economy by identifying and pursuing opportunities in entrepreneurship, employment, innovation and investment.

The two day conference is organised by the National Planning Authority (NPA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government, with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The conference has brought together Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, district youth leaders, development partners, academic and research institutions, the private sector, civil society organisations and the media. It will provide a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on and promote opportunities for young people in areas including education, innovation, research, entrepreneurship, employment, access to financing and leadership.

The conference is being held from September 17–18, 2026, at Golf Course Hotel in Kampala.