The Weekly Observer (Kampala)
David Tash Lumu
21 February 2008
Preparations for the Afro-Arab Youth Festival to be held at Speke Resort Munyonyo next month are underway and as usual, the youth will be trying to get their voices heard on issues that concern them.
This will be the second Afro-Arab Youth Festival since the inception of the organization in 2003. The first one was held in Sudan, in 2004. According to the Minister of State for Youth and Children who is also the coordinator of Afro-Arab Youth Festival 2008, Major (Rtd) James Kinobe, the festival will be attended by more than 2,000 youth delegates from 66 Arab and African countries, plus two representatives from countries like China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Cuba, Germany, Norway, Canada, Thailand and North Korea who hold observer status.
"Uganda the host country will be represented by 500 youth and the key theme is 'Youth in Peace and Development Partnership'," Kinobe said.
Coming just three months after Uganda hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, the youth festival will further boost the country's image besides bringing in economic benefits.
The country is also anticipating a blossom in sectors like tourism.
According to the Executive Chairman of the organizing committee, Agaba Abbas, everything is almost set for the festival to commence.
Key issues
The key issue is whether the youth will use this forum to table their demands as well as have their voices heard. Some of the issues that are of concern to the youth include unemployment, poverty, HIV/AIDS, to mention but a few.
To ensure more youth voices are heard, the festival has limited the attendance of VIPs with President Museveni and the Secretary of Arab League, Abu Aliyasaa, the only big shots expected.
President Museveni will be the keynote speaker at the festival.
"Our aim is [to have more young people] heard," assured Kinobe.
Besides the speeches, the youth will indulge in other activities, such as sports and cultural shows during the 10-day festival.
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What a huge opportunity for Uandan youth once more! I would love to be part of the 500 youth Ugandan representativs, but what could be the way ford?
From,
OMEKE SAMUEL, MUK