Lands Minister, Judith Nabakooba, has urged youth to plant trees and conserve the environment in a bid to mitigate climate change.
She made the call during the closure of the four-day Jinja Diocesan Youths conference 2023 at St Anne Vocational Secondary School in Busowa Catholic Parish, Bugiri district on September 10.
Upon learning about the two acre forest in Busowa Catholic Parish planted by the church congregation, Nabakooba lauded them and encouraged for more trees being planted, noting that deforestation has caused climate change.
She also cautioned youths on land fragmentation, saying it is the leading cause of chaos among family members.
“The president has always told us not to split family land because it results in conflicts. He instead encourages us to utilise the land as a family, which is not only good for the whole family members but also getting more money from the produce,” she said.
Mr Joseph Kayongo, the President of the Youths Conference, said they formed a SACCO as the Catholic youths of Jinja where they save money.
“We have so far saved about Shs9 million, and very soon, we are going to start lending money to the members,” he noted.
Kayongo explained that through their association, they impart vocational skills into the members where they can make money for a living.
“We usually have trainings in soap making, shampoo making, petroleum making among others.”
The minister advised these youths to tap into government programmes such as Emyooga and Parish Development Model (PDM) to get more funds that can help them elevate their living standards.
“Utilise the opportunity of government programs now like PDM where youth were also considered. You can use that money and do something for yourselves. You receive money and use it for two years without any pressure of paying back. And then you start paying in the third year,” she advised.
She also encouraged youths to live exemplary lives and teach the young generation who will fall under their footsteps.
“Be disciplined and listen to every person’s advice. Discipline is seen through a lot of things, ranging from how you dress, how you talk and behave in public,” she urged.
The conference was closed with a mass led by Msgr. Rev. Fr. Paul Musana, the Vicar General who represented Rt. Rev. Charles Martin Wamika, the Bishop of Jinja Diocese.
He called upon youths to create inter-personal relationships and have faith in God.
“Do not lose hope just because you don’t have a job today, God’s timing is always the best. Pray and increase your faith because you never know the person you have met today can be your connection to your next job,” he said.