Minister Hellen Adoa arriving to represent the First Lady during belated women's day in Lira District
Uganda’s First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, has called on all Ugandans to urgently step up efforts to guide and protect the country’s young population who make up over 75 percent of the total population from the dangers of the digital age.
The First Lady’s message was delivered by Hon. Hellen Adoa, Minister of State for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, during the belated International Women’s Day celebrations held in Lira District.
The event was organized by Woman MP Hon. Linda Agnes Auma Ojur, bringing together leaders, women groups, and stakeholders to discuss the empowerment of women and the youth.
According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), youth under the age of 30 make up approximately 78 percent of Uganda’s population.
This demographic bulge presents both a challenge and an opportunity for national development.
Mrs. Museveni emphasized that young people must be equipped with values, skills, and guidance to navigate the complexities of the digital world and avoid falling victim to its negative influences.
“The alarming rate at which the younger generation obsesses over building a social media presence is very concerning. This preoccupation with image building and meeting misconceived societal expectations steals their time, resources, and intellectual growth,” the First Lady said in her speech.
She appealed to parents, guardians, school administrators, and communities across Uganda to actively mentor the younger generation.
“It must be our collective responsibility to guide them towards meaningful contributions to their families, communities, and the successful completion of their education.”
Touching on the theme of women’s empowerment, the First Lady underscored the need to support grassroots women, particularly those in rural areas, to transition from labor-intensive traditional agriculture to modern, sustainable, and commercial farming methods.
“Many rural women derive their livelihood from agriculture. We must support them in adopting modern practices that not only increase production but also protect their environment,” she said.
She further emphasized the importance of financial literacy and entrepreneurship among women.
“We want more women at the grassroots to receive training in savings, resource management, and project investment to maximize returns and participate actively in the economy.”
The First Lady also stressed the urgency of preparing the younger generation of girls (future mothers and leaders) to embrace the digital era responsibly.
She called for the intentional development of moral values and character in children and youth.
“Let us help young people avoid falling victim to the evils of the digital age by equipping them with a moral compass. Each one of us has a role to play in nurturing the next generation,” she concluded.
Hon. Adoa also on her part echoed the call for rural transformation, stating that women’s advancement will be accelerated through access to technology, improved agricultural practices, and overcoming the socio-economic barriers that keep them behind.
“We must support women to understand modern production and marketing strategies. Technology is evolving, and women must not be left behind,” she noted.
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