Justice Simon Byabakama Urges Kagadi Graduates to Drive Peace, Development

19 February 2025, 11:10 am

By James Muhumuza

The Chairperson of Uganda’s Independent Electoral Commission, Justice Simon Byabakama has called on graduates to be ambassadors of peace and development by embracing responsibility and actively engaging in community transformation.

Speaking last evening at a graduation ceremony at Uganda Rural Development and Training (URDT) Institute in Kagadi Town Council, Kagadi district Justice Byabakama emphasised the role of youth in shaping the nation’s future.

A total of 2,940 young people from Kagadi District completed training under the Young Works Africa project, an initiative implemented by URDT with support from the MasterCard Foundation.

Operating across 20 districts and four refugee centers through 703 community learning centers, the project has trained over 5,000 youth in Kagadi alone over the past four years.

The graduates specialized in three key fields: tourism (1,449), construction (648), and agriculture (292).

Justice Byabakama advised the graduates to stay patient, resist negative peer pressure, and seize the opportunities available to them.

He also urged the public to uphold the Ugandan Constitution and actively participate in initiatives that promote national development.

The Kagadi Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Benjamin Tumusime, acknowledged the country’s employment challenges, noting that the government cannot absorb all job seekers.

However, he commended URDT for equipping youth with skills that enable them to become self-reliant.

Dr. Mwalimu Musheshe the founder of URDT and the Vice Chancellor African Rural University (ARU), reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to shaping visionary youth who can contribute meaningfully to society.

He stressed that empowered young people gain dignity and the ability to uplift their families.

Expressing their gratitude, the graduates pledged to use their newly acquired skills to improve their lives and positively impact their communities.

The Graduation ceremony was also attended by the Kagadi district Lc5 Chairperson Ndibwami B Yosia, Education Department officials, delegates from different Countries, Parents and well-wishers among others.