Message from H.E. The President of The Republic of Uganda

On behalf of the Government and people of Uganda, i wish to welcome the commonwealth Youth delegation to the sixth Commonwealth Youth Forum to be hosted by the Uganda government from 13th - 20th November, 2007 at Botanical Beach Hotel, Uganda.

The Uganda Government is deeply committed to ensuring youth development in all aspects of life especially their participation in the social economic development of Uganda

The National Youth Council was established by an Act of Parliament in 1993 to provide a forum through which the young people can be

organized in a unified body, and to engage them in activities which are beneficial to them and the nation.

Through the Local Government Act of 1997, the NRM Government has provided for youth participation in the decision-making process at all levels of local government units in Uganda.

The Commonwealth Youth Forum is therefore a great opportunity for the youth in Uganda and East Africa as a whole to share experience and best practices with the youth from the Commonwealth family particularly on how to realize and enable the potential’s of the youth be turned into meaningful reality.

The government of Uganda has since 1986, been encouraging youth development through support to programmes such as Universal Education, Universal Secondary Education, Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme and their representation of youth in all organs of decision-making including the Parliament of Uganda. Iam also aware that other Commonwealth Member States have taken various steps at domestic levels to ensure that the wishes and aspirations of the youth are realized.

Iam confident that you will enjoy your time at Entebbe the shores of Lake Victoria during the Forum. I wish you all the best.

Y.K. Museveni
PRESIDENT - REPUBLIC OF UGANDA