The Rose Namayanja Foundation (RNF) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting platforms that equip young people with the knowledge, confidence and practical experience needed to participate meaningfully in leadership and civic affairs across East Africa.
The RNF founder and director, Rt Hon. Namayanja Rose Nsereko, made the pronouncement during the opening ceremony of the Second Sitting of the 8th East African Youth Parliament yesterday, Thursday, September 17, 2026, in Arusha, Tanzania, under the theme "Different Contexts, Common Aspirations".
The sitting brought together young leaders from East African Community partner states, including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Somalia, providing a regional platform for dialogue, idea exchange, and leadership development.
Addressing the delegates, Namayanja commended the East African Youth Parliament for creating a space where young people can develop leadership skills, build relationships across borders and engage with issues affecting their communities and the wider region.
She reflected on her own experience in youth leadership, noting that structures such as the National Youth Council provided opportunities for young leaders to learn responsibility, work with others and begin contributing to conversations about the future of East Africa.
“Those platforms allowed us to learn how to work with people, listen to different perspectives and take responsibility. Many of the people we interacted with went on to serve in significant leadership positions, but the important thing was that the preparation began early,” she said.
Namayanja also shared how her own journey, from student and youth leadership to Parliament and later ministerial responsibilities, reinforced her belief that leadership is developed through participation, service and consistent engagement with communities.
She explained that mobilising people, understanding their concerns, and earning their trust helped prepare her for subsequent responsibilities in public service.
Supporting Young People to Participate
Through its partnership with Faraja and other stakeholders, the Rose Namayanja Foundation has supported initiatives intended to create safe and constructive civic spaces where young people can express their views, understand public institutions and develop the confidence to participate in matters that affect their lives.
These efforts include engagements designed to strengthen youth leadership and civic awareness, including a recent programme held in Luwero.
Namayanja emphasised that young people do not have to wait until they hold formal positions in government or organisations before they can contribute.
“These spaces help young people develop their ideas and engage institutions that make decisions about their lives. Leadership begins with the responsibility already within your reach,” she told the delegates.
She encouraged young people to combine their academic pursuits with active participation in community initiatives, youth structures and civic activities, noting that early exposure to leadership helps build the skills and discipline required for future responsibilities.
From Dialogue to Action
The Foundation also emphasised the importance of ensuring that youth parliamentary engagements produce outcomes that extend beyond the sitting itself.
Namayanja urged delegates to approach their work with seriousness, discipline and respect, while ensuring that resolutions adopted are properly documented, followed up and translated into meaningful action.
She commended the leadership of the East African Legislative Assembly for maintaining an open environment in which young people can participate in regional dialogue and gain a better understanding of the institutions shaping the East African Community.
She further acknowledged the role of national parliaments and development partners in supporting processes that bring community perspectives into regional discussions.
The sitting was also addressed by Dr Mercy Faith Lakisa, State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, who encouraged young people to embrace leadership and prepare themselves to take advantage of emerging opportunities across the region.
She particularly urged youth to look beyond participation as spectators in the upcoming AFCON PAMOJA 2027 and position themselves to benefit from opportunities in entrepreneurship, employment, innovation, tourism and skills development.
For the Rose Namayanja Foundation, the engagement reflects the importance of investing in young people not only as future leaders but also as active contributors to the development of their communities today.
By supporting platforms that encourage dialogue, responsibility and cross-border collaboration, the Foundation continues to promote opportunities through which young people can develop the skills, networks and confidence to shape the future of East Africa.
