The Resident City Commissioner (RCC) of Masaka City, Hudu Hussein, has cautioned young people against idleness, warning that it leaves them vulnerable to exploitation and involvement in activities that undermine national development.
Speaking at the launch of Trip Hunters, a registered social club that began as a tour company, Hussein expressed concern about the growing number of inactive youth, emphasizing the broader consequences of such behavior on personal and societal growth.
"It is those young people who are refusing to be innovative that can be used for confusion in the country. They are the ones you find on the streets demonstrating and engaging in activities that hinder both their personal progress and the country's development," Hussein said.
He urged the youth to prioritize innovation and self-reliance over dependency on government jobs, emphasising the importance of channeling their energy into productive ventures to create sustainable opportunities.
Bava Adam, the visionary behind Trip Hunters, called on the youth to embrace patriotism and align their efforts with productive activities.
"Trip Hunters started as a tour company but evolved into a social gathering for the corporate society. One of our objectives is creating social capital among the youth and promoting tourism and patriotism," Adam said.
Reflecting on its three-year journey, Adam highlighted the organisation's achievements, including charity initiatives in Karamoja, where they collaborated with government officials and participated in the Karamoja Culture Festival.
"We have traveled to various parts of Uganda, including Jinja and Karamoja, where we organized a charity event for flood-affected communities. This work exemplifies how tourism and social responsibility can intersect," he added.
Adam also urged young people to focus on their passions, stating that dedication often outweighs financial rewards in fostering growth and innovation.
Timothy Turyasingura, Trip Hunters' operations manager, underscored the organization's role in addressing mental health challenges, promoting tourism, and building social capital.
"This started during the Covid-19 period as small maiden trips to alleviate stress and address mental health challenges. Over time, it evolved into a social club with a vast network that includes members from the business community, government officials, and various companies," Turyasingura explained.
He noted that Trip Hunters creates networking opportunities that lead to business connections, job opportunities, and consultancy work.
"In addition to the trips, we focus on building a network that creates business opportunities and employment for our members. This is a space where people can grow professionally and socially," he added.
Trip Hunters also plays a pivotal role in promoting domestic and international tourism.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
Organising trips to destinations like Uganda's national parks and international locations such as Zanzibar, the initiative supports the tourism sector while contributing to economic growth.
"We emphasize cultural and health changes while promoting domestic tourism, helping Ugandans access physical attractions like national parks and lakes. Our international trips, such as those to Zanzibar, also bring in revenue to the country, supporting its development," Turyasingura said.
As Trip Hunters looks to expand its reach, both Adam and Turyasingura called on stakeholders to support the initiative, ensuring its sustainability and broader impact.
