The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has delivered a powerful call to action for Uganda’s young generation, urging them to take charge of their futures and actively prepare for leadership roles. His stirring message came during the opening of a high-profile leadership retreat at Muteesa I Royal University, where kingdom officials gathered to launch an ambitious five-year development blueprint.

The two-day retreat, attended by Buganda’s ministers, county chiefs, and sub-county leaders, served as both a strategic planning session and the official unveiling of ‘Namutayiika’ – the kingdom’s comprehensive development plan for 2023-2028. At the heart of this initiative lies a strong emphasis on youth empowerment and leadership development, reflecting Buganda’s commitment to nurturing its next generation of leaders.

Mayiga’s address resonated with urgency as he spoke directly to Uganda’s youth about their critical role in shaping the kingdom’s future. “Youthful years are the most important in laying the foundation for a meaningful life,” the Katikkiro declared. His words carried the weight of both wisdom and expectation as he challenged young people to seize their moment in history.

The kingdom’s prime minister didn’t mince words about what this preparation entails. He called for young people to actively engage with the opportunities provided under Namutayiika, emphasizing that their participation isn’t optional but essential for Buganda’s continued prosperity. “Build your skills, grow personally, and prepare to take on leadership roles with integrity and competence,” Mayiga urged, outlining a clear path for youth development.

The Namutayiika plan represents more than just another government document – it’s Buganda’s concrete commitment to institutionalizing youth development. The strategic framework specifically includes programs designed to identify, train, and position young leaders within the kingdom’s governance structures. This systematic approach ensures that youth empowerment moves beyond rhetoric into measurable action.

Owek. Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa, Second Deputy Katikkiro, reinforced this message by highlighting the kingdom’s duty to create enabling environments for young people. “This strategic plan is not just about governance; it’s a roadmap for empowering the next generation,” Nsibirwa explained. His remarks underscored the leadership’s recognition that Uganda’s demographic dividend – with over 78% of the population under 30 – represents both an opportunity and responsibility.

Mayiga’s vision for youth leadership extends beyond technical competence. Throughout his address, he emphasized the importance of character formation, stressing values like hard work, continuous learning, and self-discipline as non-negotiable foundations for effective leadership. This holistic approach reflects Buganda’s cultural values that have sustained the kingdom for centuries.

The Katikkiro’s message arrives at a critical juncture for Uganda, where youth unemployment remains high and many young people feel disconnected from leadership structures. By positioning youth development as central to Buganda’s strategic plan, the kingdom is making a bold statement about intergenerational responsibility and the importance of preparing successors.

The leadership retreat itself demonstrated Buganda’s commitment to this vision. By bringing together ministers, elders, and stakeholders for focused discussions on governance and development, the kingdom modeled the type of inclusive leadership it hopes to perpetuate. The presence of various levels of leadership – from county chiefs to sub-county representatives – created a rare opportunity for alignment across the kingdom’s administrative structure.

This gathering also served as a powerful symbol of continuity, connecting Buganda’s proud history with its aspirations for the future. The launch of Namutayiika at such a forum sends a clear message that the kingdom views youth development not as a peripheral program but as central to its survival and growth.

Mayiga’s charge to young people contains both an invitation and a challenge. The invitation is to claim their rightful place in shaping Buganda’s future. The challenge is to do the hard work of preparation – to develop the skills, character, and vision required of leaders.

As the retreat concluded, the message to Uganda’s youth was unmistakable: The kingdom believes in your potential, has created structures for your growth, and expects you to rise to the occasion. The ball is now in the court of young people to respond to this call to leadership.

With Namutayiika now officially launched, all eyes turn to implementation. Will Uganda’s youth embrace this opportunity? Can Buganda’s ambitious vision for youth leadership become reality? The answers to these questions will determine not just the future of the kingdom, but potentially offer a model for youth empowerment across the region.

One thing remains certain – under Mayiga’s leadership, Buganda has thrown down the gauntlet. The kingdom has declared its belief in its young people. Now it waits to see who will step forward to build their leadership legacy.