In a world where young people are often seen but not heard, I’ve chosen to raise my voice—and invite others to do the same. My name is Kalinda Jamada Musa, and I am a proud U-Reporter with UNICEF Uganda.
My journey into advocacy began in 2019, and it recently took me to Kabale District for the International Youth Day (IYD) 2023 celebration. This was no ordinary trip—it was a turning point, both for me and for thousands of young Ugandans.
Chapter 1: Seeds of Advocacy
My story began in 2019, when I was selected to represent adolescents on the UNICEF Evaluation Reference Group. This was a high-level team composed of officials from the Government of Uganda, UN agencies, and development partners, responsible for reviewing the 2016–2020 UNICEF Country Programme. That experience sparked something in me: a hunger to mobilize, inform, and empower young people to be part of decision-making processes.
Through U-Report—UNICEF’s digital platform for youth participation—I’ve led and participated in campaigns ranging from mental health awareness to child vaccination, and even co-designed Fundoo, a digital skilling platform providing 21st-century job readiness skills.
Chapter 2: The Road to Kabale
On August 16, 2023, I boarded a bus for the scenic seven-hour journey from Kampala to Kabale, nestled in the lush green hills of Uganda’s western Rift Valley. My mission? To participate in International Youth Day 2023, which was being celebrated under the theme “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World.”
Arriving early allowed me to connect with the local youth before the official event. And let me tell you—Kabale did not disappoint! From its stunning landscapes to the Rolex (Ugandan street food) I devoured late at night, the trip was a cultural and personal highlight.
Chapter 3: Connecting with Kabale University
A day before the main event, I joined UNICEF staffer Rashid Sekalema to visit Kabale University, where we linked up with a student leader we’d previously met online. We were invited to a student bazaar, where we shared the mission of U-Report with attendees.
To our surprise and joy, several students were already active U-Reporters! Many more were eager to sign up and explore Fundoo, especially once they learned it offered digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and employment-readiness courses—all free.
Chapter 4: A Youthful Voice at a National Stage
The International Youth Day celebration at Kigezi Hill Primary School on Friday, August 18, was the climax of the journey.
Graced by none other than H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the event was a powerful reminder of what young people can accomplish when their voices are heard. Through the Chairperson of the National Youth Council, we shared insights from a U-Report poll, which revealed that:
• Quality education
• Zero poverty
• Good health and well-being
…were the top priorities for youth when it comes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Chapter 5: A Game-Changer for Uganda’s Youth
The most significant moment of the event was the launch of the UN Adolescent and Youth Joint Programme. With a massive $22 million commitment by the government and UN agencies, Uganda now has dedicated funding to:
• Expand access to youth-led programs
• Provide technical skills training
• Empower adolescent girls and marginalized youth
• Support innovation and digital entrepreneurship
As the President himself appended his signature to this commitment, I knew we were witnessing history in the making.
What Was Missing—and What I Hope to Do Next
Though the event was a great success, I noticed some challenges:
• Rural youth voices are still underrepresented in national conversations.
• Accessibility to digital platforms like Fundoo remains limited in remote areas.
• There is a need for continuous mentorship, not just one-off engagements.
I’ve returned to Kampala energized, but also more determined. I will continue advocating for more inclusive funding, internet access, and ongoing education initiatives that empower all youth, not just those in urban centers.
Conclusion: The Journey is Just Beginning
This trip to Kabale was more than a personal milestone. It was a reminder that youth voices matter, that partnerships work, and that real change begins when young people are invited to the table—not just as observers, but as equal participants.
As I continue working with UNICEF and U-Report, I urge every young person reading this: your voice is powerful. Use it.
