From the 11th to the 14th of March 2021, Open Space Centre organized a community task force training and orientation for 45 young people in districts of Kampala, wakiso and Mukono. A community Task force (CTF) is a team/group of dedicated youths whose overall goal is to localize the Sustainable development Goals (SDGs) in their respective communitties through bringing together different stakeholders and implementing project events.
The CTF training implemented under the Localizing the SDGs project which is supported by Crossing Borders and implemented in three countries Uganda, Zambia and Ghana. The training was organized to strengthen young people’s ability to influence local and global development agendas, with a special focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The main objective of the of this project is ‘to mobilize, engage and strengthen synergies for stakeholders to localize the SDGs in their various communitties.
The training included youth in differnt diversities, male, female young men , young womwen, youth with physical disabilities, students, and youth out of school. Participants took part in sessions on advocacy & Lobbying, existing policy frameworks, Understanding the Sustainable development goals among others. The training was successfully concluded with all participants having gained a deeper understanding on their role in the realisation of the aspirations of the Global Goals within their communitties.
”Youth need to be at the forefront of the realization of the Global goals as they stand to be the most affected if these goals are not implemented. Trainings like these build our capacity to engage with different stakeholders who are integral in the realization of these global goals.”
Open Space Center was formed in 2009 as a youth-led agency focused on providing opportunities for developing the expressive and debate capabilities of young people previously excluded from the frontiers of public decision-making. Inspired and initially supported by the Open Society Foundation, Open Space aspired to nurture the analytical and leadership potentials of youth and their meaningful engagement in public affairs. Open Space has since developed into a fully-fledged and leading organization whose business embodies the broadening of space and opportunities for youth to enhance their full potentials and meaningfully contribute to national and global development agendas.
We are Open Space because that reflects what we do: we broaden space and opportunities for young people to enhance their potential and constructively contribute to Uganda’s social, economic and political development.
Our activities are designed by young people so that they effectively engage young people to apply their creativity to make a difference. Furthermore, we always seek opportunities to work with other youth focused stakeholders in order to maximize the impact of our activities. With a vision of an a vibrant and empowered youth population, Open Space Centre has its focus on two major programs every year alongside other activities. The programs are; the National Youth Festival and the National University Debate Championships.
Since the inaugural Youth Festival in 2011, the event has grown both in stature and importance, by instituting an annual unique multi stakeholder year long platform with inbuilt events and activities, where thousands of young people and youth focused stakeholders come together to not only celebrate across age and diversity, youth energies, potentials and innovativeness but also influence youth policy agenda at various levels.
Some of the youth innovators in IT showcasing their work to other young people
The Annual National Youth Festival is now recognized by government as a distinctive platform to acclaim positive youth participation and review of youth engagement actions in the country. Both the roll out, main event and follow up activities are convened by the Open Space Center in collaboration with partners.
Leaders in different areas of influence grace the Festival in 2016 to interact with the young people
The National University Debate Championship, also called “The Nationals” or NUDC, is an annual debate competition among the brightest and best students from all universities in Uganda. During the competition students give speeches, arguments and policy proposals on current topical issues in the presence of a panel of judges and a preselected audience of fellow students and key stakeholders including civil society, private sector and policy makers among others. Besides the main championships, the tournament has been upgraded to feature a debate and leadership training academy, a series of issue based public dialogues and a Masters Invitational Debate featuring the best debaters in the country.
The winning team at the 2016 Nationals, Kyambogo University, receive their award
Through activities like university debates as well as the Annual National Youth Festival, Open Space has provided young people with opportunities to engage directly with policy makers and influence youth focused policies and programs. In addition, the debate training and dialogue programs in universities and local communities have been instrumental in building critical thinking, leadership, communication, research, negotiation and oratory skills to enable these young people engage with issues that matter to them. Many of these young people have gone on to be successful activists, youth leaders and social entrepreneurs.
The organization embarked on its Strategic Plan formulation for the next five years (2017-2021) in mid-year 2016. The process involved the hiring of the consultant, Emmanuel Kitamirike who first of all did a program review of the organization programs for the last five years.
It is this review of the organization programs that thereby made up the content of the Strategic Plan. At this point in time, the document was in its draft stages and what followed was a team meeting to have our input as Open Space. Still at the draft stage, the final process was to engage the stakeholders to get their input as well on the plan.
The stakeholders’ consultative meeting on the Strategic Plan was held on 31st January, 2017 at the Eureka Place Hotel. It was attended by about 25 people from across the partner divide and their input toward the plan was a value.
Isabella Akiteng, UYONET, giving her analysis of the Strategic Plan
There was attendance from International Alert, Students for Global Democracy, UYONET, UPFYA, IRI, Haven Anti-AIDS Foundation, Makerere University, Kyambogo University, Bavubuka Foundation, CEDA, Uganda Debate Society, KCCA and 2 Board Members.
The Strategic Plan was presented by the Team Leader, Wakibu Bunnya and the Finance Officer, Baliruno Joel. The presentation was thereafter followed by a panel discussion on the same which was moderated by the Assistant Team Leader, William Kyeyune.
The panelists were carefully selected civil society players who shared a more critical eye on the Plan and pointed out the key areas of concern. The Panelists were; Isabella Akiteng (UYONET), Joseph Munyangabo (IRI) and Emmy Otim (Board Member).
Some of the members in attendance
After the panel discussion, there was a plenary session moderated by the Mobilization Officer, Ashraf Kakaire where the members of the audience also shared their views. Also in attendance was the IT Officer, Mercy Nimusiima and the Assistant Finance Officer, Mercy Mone.
Participants at the Peace Day Youth Debate in Adjumani
On 20th September 2014, OpenSpace partnered with International Alert to mark the International day of peace by organizing a series of activities in Adjumani town including a youth debate and football match which attracted participation of more than 150 youth from Adjumani, Yumbe, Moyo, Gulu, Zombo, Amuru, Nwoya and Kitgum. The activities were organized under the theme “The Right of Youth to Peace”.
The youth debate which was the central part of the activities generated positive insights from young people particularly district youth chairpersons around their understanding of peace, their role in promoting peace in their communities and what is needed to build peaceful communities. These insights were summarized and read out as a youth position on the National Peace Day celebrations in Adjumani on 21st September 2014.
HIGHLIGHTS OF ACTIVITIES
Youth Debate: the debate was opened by remarks from Mr. Monda (the District Internal Security Officer (DISO)), Mr. Wakibu Bunnya from Open Space and Mr. Luis Okello from International Alert and Akuku Emmanuel (District Chairperson of Adjumani). This was followed by a presentation by International Alert on Peace and Security in Northern Uganda. A panel including the Mr. Komakech Robert (District Youth chairperson of Gulu), a student from Comboni Secondary School, a teacher from Alere Secondary School and the DISO discussed the presentation further focusing on among other things the question of whether the silent of the gun means peace in northern Uganda. The audience was later invited to add their views to the debate mainly focusing on what they are doing to promote peace, the key drivers of conflict in their communities and what is needed to build peaceful communities.
Football Match: the football match took place at Adjumani community grounds and featured two teams from the neighboring parishes. At the end of the match, invited cultural groups provided entertainment inform of dancing and drama while a group of visual artists provided a banner where youth where able to write their views on peace.
Development and Disseminating of Peace Messages: 1000 Stickers and 150 t-shirts with messages promoting the Peace Day were developed and distributed free of charge to attendees at the youth debate, the football and the national celebrations.
The Dutch Ambassador interacting with youth at the 4th Annual National Youth Festival.
On 23rd August 2014, Open Space Centre with support from International Alert, USAID, European Union, Uganda Parliamentary Forum for Youth Affairs, Uganda Youth Network and other partners held the 4th Annual National Youth Festival at the National Theatre in Kampala under the theme “Smart Choices for Youth”.
The Annual National Youth Festival is organized every August as part of the commemorative events to mark the International Youth Day. The festival is designed to bring together thousands of youth and other stakeholders in one space to interact, share ideas, and listen to each other in a way that results in government action and youth empowerment.
AUDIENCE AND REACH
2750 youth attended the event. 43.8% female and 56.2% female, 7 schools and 3 universities
65 exhibitors including 20 youth organizations, 1 embassy, 8 civil society organizations, 6 Reproductive Health focused organizations, 30 youth business start ups
8 practical skills workshops on growing mushrooms, making bread jam out of fruits, CV writing, making paper bags, Hair dressing, designing and making clothes, photography, converting recyclable materials into creative Artifacts and decorations
8 Mandela Washington Fellows were engaged as Speakers, panelists and exhibitors.
Mandela Washington Fellows sharing a photo moment with some of the attendees at the festival
HIGHLIGHTS OF ACTIVITIES
Official Opening: The festival was officially opened by the Head of the EU Delegation in Uganda represented by the H.E. Ambassador Alphons Hennekens, Ambassador of Netherlands. Other key officials who made remarks during the opening ceremony included Hon Gabriel Ajedra(Minister of State for Investment), Mr. Mondo Kyateka (Assistant Commissioner for Youth and Children, Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development), International Alert Country director represented by Mr. Robert Esuruku (Head of Research, International Alert).
Employment Forum: the employment forum which was attended by close to 200 youth featured a discussion around youth in agriculture with special focus on government programs like the Youth Livelihood Program, NAADS and the proposed National Youth Volunteering Program. Panelists included Mr. Kenneth Nkumiro (Coordinator of the Parliamentary Forum for youth Affairs), Ms. Emma Naluyima (a renowned agricultural entrepreneur), Emmanuel Ocepa Angul (an unemployed youth), Irene Ikomu (youth activist) and Malcolm Toland (expert from USAID – Enabling Environment for Agriculture Program).
Political Debate: The debate was opened by Mr. Mark Meassick (Deputy Mission Director for USAID Uganda) and was attended by close to 250 youth. Mr. Gwada Ogot (Political Analyst) made a presentation on positioning young people for meaningful participation in 2016 elections. The presentation was later followed by panel discussion and an audience interaction around key opportunities and challenges for youth in the upcoming 2016 elections. Hon Gerald Karuhanga (Youth Member of Parliament), Hon Sheila Kawamara (a former East African Legislator), Ivan Otim (Youth Activists, Students for Global Democracy), Helena Okiring (Youth Activist, Uganda Youth Network) and Kwagala Keith Richard (a student from Seroma High school were among the panelists).
Helena Okirin of Uganda Youth Network sharing her thoughts during the Political Debate
Irene Ikomu a Mandela Washington Fellow sharing her views of Youth employment during the Employment Forum
EMERGING ISSUES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Youth Unemployment;
There was an overwhelming call to government to prioritize youth in the agricultural sector. This call was emphasized in conversations around status of the current youth fund, the effect of militarization of NAADS on young people and creating an enabling environment of young people to participate in agriculture. One of the participants pointed out that the current tax on agricultural inputs is more of a turn off than an encouragement to participate in agriculture and should be revised.
There was a call to young people to explore the vast opportunities that exist in the agricultural sector instead of focusing on youth specific government programs. Young People were also challenged to look at agriculture as a viable business and not a last resort option. Development partners should tie agricultural aid to changing mindset of young people towards participating in agriculture.
Government and CSOs were challenged to implement programs and projects that address youth employment such as instituting youth innovation hubs, information helplines and ICT hotspots; and community service volunteer initiatives among others. Private Sector Companies were also argued to support these initiatives to address their emerging needs through growing the future workforce and as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies.
Emmanuel Ocepa shared a unique scenario where despite having acres of land and having started his agricultural business, banks were reluctant to provide him with capital for expansion sighting distance of the land from the town as the reason. The employment forum did not provide solutions to this challenge despite the fact that there were a number of young people who had a similar experience. This is a conversation that needs to be explored in future discussions of how to get youth into agriculture.
Youth participation in 2016 Elections;
Youth civil society organizations and other stakeholders were challenged to work with young people to develop a youth agenda for 2016. Such campaigns should also encourage young people to participate meaningfully in processes leading up, during and after 2016 elections.
Adequate leadership programs should also be put in place by various stakeholders particularly CSOs to prepare young people take up leadership roles in 2016 elections.
Following the establishment of the National Youth Council in 1993, the Ugandan Parliament also passed the National Youth Policy in 2001as a framework for the development of action programmes and services to facilitate youth participation and engagement in decision making at all levels.
Following pressure from civil society among other stakeholders government kick started the review and development of the action plan for the youth policy in 2012. The long awaited revised national youth policy was finally approved by the Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development (MoGLSD) in July 2013 after consultations with youth and key stakeholders. However the youth from northern Uganda who have been affected by war and conflict were not consulted or even included in the process. These war affected youth have unique needs and concerns which cannot be addressed by the policy in its current form. There is therefore urgent need to collect their demands and input them in the final draft before it is approved by the MoGLSD.
With this as a backdrop, Open Space Centre in partnership with MOGLSD, Uganda Parliamentary Forum for Youth Affairs and with support from International Alert organized a series of four consultative meetings in Lira, Soroti, Gulu and Arua level in Northern Uganda to collect policy recommendations and proposals from war affected youth on their key needs/demands that need urgent intervention and inclusion in the final National Youth Policy draft.
The meetings were each attended by over 40 participants including youth leaders, district officials responsible for implementing government youth programs and civil society representatives. The meetings included a presentation of the draft youth policy followed by breakaway group discussions and consensus building around gaps, recommendations and actions needed to address challenges affecting youth in northern Uganda. The MOGLSD officials captured all these issues and promised to include them in the draft policy. Below are some of points;
Regarding unemployment the following gaps were identified:
Poor implementation of government programmes to the youth – few youth from northern Uganda have been able to access and befit from programs like NAADS and Youth Venture Capital Fund
High cost of education – therefore most youth cant access education particularly university education
Lack of agriculture land, incentives and inputs as youth don’t have land and capital to buy agricultural inputs
Some of the suggested recommendations included:
Make it mandatory for local governments to contribute revenue for youth councils and youth programs at a the district level.
Setting up subsidized government tertiary skills training institutions to provide youth with appropriate technical skills
Increase monitoring and youth participation in poverty eradication programmes like Nusaf, NAADS, NDP, youth livelihoods
Youth Chairperson from Soroti district during the meeting
Luis Okello of International Alert during the meeting in Soroti
Ian Ellis of the Uganda Parliamentary Forum for Youth Affairs during the one of the Meetings in Soroti
Some of the participants during one of the meeting
Kitatta of the National Youth Council and Wakib Bunnya of Open Space Centre during one of the meetings
On the 18th of October, 2013, Students for Global Democracy Uganda (SGD) in conjunction with OpenSpace centre organized a community clean up and a group discussion in Kawaala with members of the society on the Voting Process in Uganda.
The activity started at exactly 8:00 o’clock in the morning with the general cleaning at Kawaala Health Centre. This was done on a voluntary basis with the participation of various youth-led organizations which include; UYONET, Teens Uganda, Seefu Uganda, AYDL, among others.
The team getting ready for the cleanup
This was followed by cleaning a police station which is also found in the same locality and from here youths went to Kawaala junior primary and nursery school where they participated in sweeping the compound, slashing, scrubbing the washrooms, cleaning trenches among others. Cleaning was also conducted in Kawaala trading centre and also in the area nearby Teens Uganda offices.
Otim Ivan, chairing the electoral discussion
After lunch, there was a meeting was chaired by Otim Ivan, the programs officer for SGD .It began with the introduction from participants for recognition of their various organizations. Ivan appreciated the youths who turned up for the activity and gave a preamble for the various activities of SGD. He added that the activity was Express, Engage and Empower. The issues discussed include;
Youth participation
Public Order Management Law
Reduction of the voting age to 17 years
Unemployment.
On the issue of reducing the voting age to 17yrs, Nazziwa Winfred of Open Space Centre argued that the young people aged 17yrs can easily be manipulated thus there is likelihood for them to take wrong decisions. Angella Asalle said that the public order management law is a sign of dictatorship because it favors a few individuals and intended to suppress views for opposition side of government. Lailah Zubairi of Open Space Centre reported that it is really hard to mobilize youths because even civil society organizations themselves are not cooperative.
According to Nakabira Nashiba, the election is a procedural process where even the voters need to be sensitized about their role and the relevance of voting, if at all inclusive democracy is to be made a priority.
KEY RECOMMENDATIONS
v Mobilizing youths to fully participate in voting and the general electoral process
v Pressurizing leaders to have civic responsibility and holding them accountable for their dos and don’ts.
v Policy changes in respect with defending the constitution
v Spreading the propaganda against the public Order management law through social media.
v Peaceful demonstration against poor policies
v Diagnosing facts behind public management law
v Ensuring maximum cooperation amongst all civil society organizations to express their discontency against oppressive policies and laws.
Following the Anti corruption week, a debate was organized by Anti corruption coalition Uganda in partnership with Green light movement at the Parliament.
The debate brought together different groups of people from Members of Parliament, students from different universities, media houses and Civil Society Organizations among others. Of the organizations that participated Open Space Centre was represented by Lailah Zubairi the Admin Assistant, Kyeyune William the PRO and Nazziwa Winfred the Accounts Assistant.
The Commissioner to Parliament, Hon. Emmanuel Dombo, who represented the Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Jacob Oulanya reiterated that youth are being used by politicians for self interest which has left many of them in unforeseen trouble.
“Look at the walk to work campaign, how many youth were put in prison and how many lost their property and lives?” he asked.
He therefore called for young people to stand firm and independent from all leaders who simply want to use their energy and numbers for selfish gains.
Hon. Emmanuel Dombo, commissioner of Parliament
Akiteng Isabela a representative from Green Light Movement argued that the increasing civic activism in the country is a good sign that the youth are realizing their role as citizens of the country.
Isabella Akiteng addressing the debaters
Chris Obore who gave the CSO perspective claimed that activism is a dangerous venture especially in countries with poor governance like Uganda.
“Uganda faces the problem of poor accountability and therefore when activists take action, there is bound to be trouble!” he said.
Helena Okiring, a strong youth activist called on activists to go an extra mile as according to her, activism is a continuous process.
An ever enthusiastic Hellenah Okiring stating her views
Nandala Mafabi, the Leader of Opposition in Parliament said that there is no freedom of speech and expression with the existence of the public order law.
Hon. Nandala Mafabi, Leader of Opposition in Parliament
“The government should know that this country belongs to us and youths must demand their rights without any fear!” he said as he wrapped up the debate.
The morning of Saturday 31st September was mildly sunny. It felt like the sun was simply pecking down on mother earth. Well, at the National Theatre here is Kampala; exhibitors were putting final touches to their tents. The early birds were OpenSpace Centre, International Alert, USAID, FOWODE and International Youth Fellowship. Time check is 8am.
At about 9pm, the US Ambassador, H.E Scott DeLisi arrived at the National Theatre flanked by Hon. Gerald Karuhanga and Hon. Peter Ogwang both youthful MPs. Following speeches from the above mentioned MPs, Mr. Richard Businge from International Alert, Mrs Barbra Birungi from Hive Colab and Mr Bunnya Wakibu from OpenSpace, H.E Scott DeLisi gave an outstanding key note address that marked the official opening of the 3rd Annual National Youth Festival. “We do not see youth as a problem to be solved, but as an asset to be tapped. As you come into your own as leaders in business, government, and civil society, we at the U.S. Mission stand ready to work with you.” Excerts from the key note address by H.E Scott DeLisi
L-R: H.E Scott DeLisi (2nd left), Hon. Peter Ogwang (4th left) Wakib Bunnya and Barbra Birungi, Founder of Hive Collab
Hon.Karuhanga inviting H.E Scott DeLisi to give a keynote address.
Hereafter, the exhibition stalls were the places to check out. With such marvelous displays from youth innovators, youth NGOs, development partners and businesses, the different exhibitors gave the festival a touch of glamour. Happening simultaneously policy and issue reflection forums such as the political debate by IYOP/KAS on oil and gas and the Youth Employment Forum by the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Youth Affairs were some of the other key attractions. Upcoming artists made their mark on the main stage during the two day event which was crowned off by a headline performance from Gravity Omutujju a renown artists and music youth icon.
Amazing performance by Break Dance Project Uganda
It is without shock that the Festival attracted over 3652 young people over the two days who benefited from the learning and sharing, networking and other opportunities on show. “I have been inspired by what I have seen here and from today on I have made a commitment to be a change agent in my community ” Comments from Nyombi Jaffer, one of the youth who attended the festival
Participants at the Reproductive Health tent
Follow the links below to find out what the media had to say about this year’s festival:
The National Youth Festival, a brain child of OpenSpace Centre, is a unique annual gala which brings together thousands of young people and stakeholders from various backgrounds and sectors to innovatively collaborate, access opportunities, network, learn and exchange ideas as a means of influencing development issues from the perspective of young people. Key partners and stakeholders included USAID, International Alert, International Labor Organization, Uganda Parliamentary Forum for Youth Affairs, Students For Global Democracy, Interparty Youth Platform/KAS, Hive Colab, Capital Radio, SMS One, NBS TV, Reproductive Health Uganda, African Youth Development Link, Uganda Muslim Youth Development Forum, FK Mentoring Network among others.
The team that made it happen takes on a light moment at the stage to the tune of BB’s ‘Face to face and backa to backa’
The government has put up many programs aimed at uplifting and empowering young people. How efficient, accessible and effective are they? International Alert, OpenSpace Centre and Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Youth Affairs Research carried out an assessment in the districts of Kayunga, Koboko, Kotido, Kumi and Ntugamo to try and answer this question.
Following the release of a draft report on the findings, meetings were organized in each of the research districts from March 25th-18th April, 2013 to give the youth and key stakeholders a chance to critique and validate the findings in the report. Each of the five meetings was attended by over 60 participants including district officials responsible for implementing government programs like NUSAF, Skilling Uganda and Youth Venture Capital Fund, youth leaders, youth activists and main stream youth who benefit from these programs.
Hon. Anita Evelyne (wearing yellow) arriving at Koboko for the Validation Meeting
“these government programs you talk about appear to be ghosts, we just hear about them during such dialogues but we never get to benefit from them. Make sure this statement appears in the report as I have said it.” comments from a youth leader in Kayunga District during the validation Meeting.
The inputs that derived from these meetings have been compiled and as we speak the implementing team is putting final touches to the survey report which will be made available in the coming months. Be sure to check out our blog for the findings.
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