In a big move in support of the Afro Arab Youth Council, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda appointed former Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda as Special Envoy to spearhead fundraising for the building of its new headquarters at Nakawuka. The latest move shows that Uganda wants to increase her interface with African and Arab youth in increasing sustainable development projects.

The announcement was made in a meeting at State House in Entebbe, where leaders of the AAYC led by Secretary General Dr. Abbas Agaba met President Museveni. Dr. Agaba briefed him on activities done by the council and thanked him for continued support, mainly putting in letters to help amass funds for the headquarters. He also called on Museveni to write more letters to countries like Zimbabwe and members of the Arab League to expedite fundraising. It is Dr. Agaba who recommended that a high-profile representative accompany the AAYC team in visits to all member countries in raising support, and President Museveni selected Dr. Rugunda for this task. With his being an esteemed leader who has served many years in many fields, it is expected from Dr. Rugunda that through his contacts, he will aid the AAYC in attaining its financial goals.

During preparations for the anniversary celebrations, the president instructed the Minister of Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, to organize the event. The celebrations, initially scheduled for March, were changed to May 25 to avoid coinciding with Ramadan, the holy month observed by Muslims worldwide. The new date will see more people from member countries attend.

He also announced that a general assembly would be held shortly, which would reshape the leadership of the council into one capable of carrying out its functions toward unifying African and Arab youths for purposes of development.

As the discussions rolled on, regional peace became a major talking point. Dr. Agaba praised President Museveni for efforts toward ensuring the Sudan conflict cools off and asked him to keep at it. Museveni blamed the Sudan conflict on “ideological and ideological differences and means, which culminated into turning the capital Khartoum into a battle field”. He insisted that it would be uphill to achieve lasting peace without addressing the root causes.

He has also commented on instability in the DRC, which he attributes to poor communication among leaders. He has expressed that conflict and building trust among groups can only be resolved through dialogue.

On economic issues, Dr. Agaba requested that Museveni help finalize an agreement between the government and Accend Pharma Limited, a company working with the AAYC. The deal involves the government buying medical products from the company on a regular basis, which would create jobs and improve healthcare. Museveni promised to look into the issue and ensure progress, showing his support for projects that benefit both the economy and the people.

President Museveni reiterated his full support for the mission of AAYC, saying Uganda was determined to put together African and Arab youth for sustainable development. He congratulated the work of the Council in the realms of empowering youth through education, business opportunities, and cultural exchanges.

Initiated to enhance cooperation between African and Arab nations, AAYC has engaged in various activities of education, health, and the creation of employment opportunities. Added to such activities are meetings, training, and other events bringing together young leaders from both regions, which will be held at the Nakawuka headquarters.

The appointment of Dr. Rugunda, highly regarded for a long career in government and diplomacy, is considered a smart move. As chief negotiator of several peace deals and coordinator of development projects as prime minister, his involvement is expected to attract more donations and partnerships for the AAYC.

The people of Nakawuka have welcomed the project because the communities are hopeful that it may create some jobs and improve infrastructure. The headquarters should also boost Uganda’s image to lead regional cooperation.

However, some challenges remain. Large-project fundraising tends to be sluggish in the light of global economic struggles. To meet its targets, the AAYC needs to work in close collaboration with governments, private companies, and international groups. Dr. Rugunda’s team is planning a number of trips to several countries over the next few months, where the project will be presented and support will be solicited.

But since the anniversary fell later than most, this actually allowed more time for the council to build something much larger-something more inclusive-in its anniversary celebratory gesture. According to the Minister, activities will be performed by artists doing traditional acts, speeches, and discussions about aspects like climate change and technologies.

Such restructuring of the leadership could make this council, to which AAYC goes in this general assembly, more effective and transparent in their activities. A new post or committee may be created to ensure that certain key issues, like gender equality or environmental sustainability, are properly taken care of.

President Museveni’s focus on peace in Sudan and the DRC aligns with Uganda’s history of mediating conflicts in the region. His advice for leaders to prioritize dialogue over violence has been echoed by many international organizations.

Another example of the AAYC bridging economic gaps is the partnership with Accend Pharma Limited. It is, therefore, hoped that the Council’s promotion of local industries would reduce poverty and improve living standards among the youths.

He concluded his speech by thanking the leaders of AAYC for their dedication and pledged to continue supporting them. He urged member countries to work together to tackle common challenges like unemployment, climate change, and health crises.

The appointment of Dr. Rugunda, on top of this anniversary and the headquarters project, heralds the new era in AAYC. With renewed leadership and combined efforts, it is expected to be a vehicle for change within the lives of African and Arab youth, advancing their cause while creating unity within generations.