Former Prime Minister, Dr.Ruhakana Rugunda has said the time is ripe for youths to charge of the affairs of the African continent.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the third Inter-generational dialogue forum organized by Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) as Speke Resort Hotel , Munyonyo in Kampala, Rugunda said whereas the old guards set the foundation, time is now for the youth to take on the mantle .
"The young people should play a catalytic and vanguard role to mobilise the African population. Old leaders have played their role. For example they fought so hard to ensure we get independence and since each generation has its own responsibilities, the responsibility of youths now is to ensure they block haemorrhage of resources to Europe," Rugunda said.
The former Prime Minister said it is onus on the youths to ensure they bring together Africans to fight for the continent and reverse the exploitation.
"The youths have the knowledge, energy and everything. These are not exotic issues. We live with them. The onus is on youths to play their role to fully liberation the African continent."
He said by the youth uniting the continent, Africa will become stronger and be able to solve its won problems, other than waiting for others' intervention.
The Chairperson of the National Youth Council of Uganda, Jacob Eyeru said the event gives a platform and opportunity for youths in the region to discuss matters concerning them and get solutions.
"The intention of this dialogue is to come to the realization that even if young people are not in power in any of the governments in their respective countries, they are the majority and that their voices need to be taken at a high level and real commensurate forum, not just through noise or social media. The elders of the countries need to sit with young people in one room and speak as equals," Eyeru said.
"The feeling across Africa for young people is the same. They suffer the same problems and challenges around education, job and economic hardships. Therefore, with this dialogue, we wanted to sit down as a region, and not just as a country so that we achieve regional action, beyond borders."
The chairperson of the National Youth Council of Uganda said the dialogue aims to solve problems at a horizontal level where everyone sits on the table.
" It is good that the old guards have realized youth voices need to be heard."
Raymond Kitevu, an expert from COMESA said Intergenerational dialogues help create opportunities for young people to engage with leaders and policymakers on issues that affect them.
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"These dialogues provide a platform for youths to provide best practices and initiatives on taking forward the agenda of peace and security forward in the region in terms of advocacy, education, awareness and engagement," Kitevu said.
He said the two previous dialogues have helped provide opportunity for youths to share experience for various regions of COMESA.
"We have been able to gather views on what the youths have been doing in terms of putting forward the agenda of peace and security in the region as well as some of the skills and knowledge that can be learnt by other peers."
The third inter-generational dialogue forum will run until November, 14.
