The Second Sitting of the 8th Uganda National Youth Parliament, held at Parliament on 7 August 2026, saw youth delegates debate and adopt a series of progressive motions aimed at addressing critical challenges facing young people. Under the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” the sitting, chaired by Youth Parliament Speaker Rodney Adroni, focused on sexual and reproductive health, climate resilience, road safety, national security, youth employment and meaningful participation in governance.

The event was opened by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa and attended by Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs Dr. Lakisa Mercy Faith, among other dignitaries. Resolutions from the Youth Parliament are expected to be formally received by Parliament for consideration by relevant committees and government institutions.

Motion on Sexual and Reproductive Health Adopted

A central highlight of the sitting was the successful adoption of a motion urging Government to enhance access to accurate sexual and reproductive health information for adolescents and young people. Moved and debated under Speaker Adroni, the motion received broad support from youth delegates before being put to the question and passed

Delegates emphasised the importance of knowledge as a tool for protection, enabling young people to understand their bodies, recognise health changes, prevent unintended pregnancies and reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections. Speakers stressed that access to factual information does not promote early sexual activity but empowers responsible decision-making and reduces vulnerability to myths, peer pressure and misinformation.

The discussion also touched on menstrual health equity, with calls for greater availability of free menstrual products in public facilities, drawing parallels with existing free condom distribution programmes. The motion aligns with ongoing national efforts, including programmes under the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development aimed at preventing teenage pregnancy and expanding life skills education.

Climate Action and Road Safety Motions Advanced

Following the reproductive health motion, the House adopted a resolution on climate action, environmental protection and the building of climate-resilient communities. Youth delegates highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on young people and called for stronger government interventions in environmental protection and community resilience.

The sitting then moved to a motion on road safety, crime prevention, access to justice, service delivery and national security, moved by Emmanuel Edonu and seconded by Deo Mutuma. Debates underscored the high rate of road traffic deaths involving young people, particularly motorcycle riders, and stressed the dual need for government action and personal responsibility. Speakers called for improved road safety education, better enforcement of traffic rules, expanded access to mediation and alternative justice mechanisms for young people who cannot afford formal legal representation.

Earlier in the sitting, a motion on enhancing youth employment through skills development and enterprise growth was also adopted, reflecting persistent concerns about job creation and economic empowerment for Uganda’s youthful population.

Political Analysis: Youth Voices Shaping the National Agenda

As a senior journalist and political analyst, this sitting of the National Youth Parliament represents a significant platform for intergenerational dialogue and policy influence. Unlike purely symbolic exercises, previous Youth Parliament resolutions have informed parliamentary discussions and legislative considerations, demonstrating the growing institutional recognition of organised youth advocacy.

The focus on sexual and reproductive health is particularly timely. With high rates of teenage pregnancy remaining a national challenge, accurate information, accessible services and stigma-free environments are essential for protecting the health, education and future productivity of young Ugandans. Equally important are the climate and road safety motions, which address existential risks that disproportionately affect the youth demographic.

Speaker Rodney Adroni’s insistence on evidence-based submissions, decorum and time consciousness set a professional tone that elevated the quality of debate. The presence of senior government and parliamentary leaders further signalled that youth recommendations are being taken seriously.

The true test, however, will lie in follow-through. As Deputy Speaker Tayebwa proposed, future sittings should include action-taken reports so that young people can track the progress of their resolutions. Only then will the Youth Parliament move from being a valuable deliberative space to a sustained engine of accountability and policy change.

King Musah Media will continue to follow the transmission of these resolutions to Parliament and the response of relevant government ministries and agencies.