Balaam Ateenyi Barugahara, the newly appointed State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, has vowed to champion the cause of National Unity Platform (NUP) youth members who have been incarcerated for political reasons.
Following his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee, chaired by Speaker Anita Among, Barugahara expressed his commitment to advocating for the release of imprisoned NUP youths. He disclosed that upon assuming office, he received appeals from a group of NUP youths seeking his intervention, as they felt the NUP leadership had not adequately supported them in this regard.
In addition to his pledge to secure the release of detained NUP members, Barugahara emphasized his determination to address the issue of teenage pregnancy, ensuring that perpetrators face legal consequences for their actions.
The minister has stated that tackling youth unemployment will be a primary focus during his tenure. He clarified that his role in the Cabinet is not centered on recruiting youths for the MK Project, as the project already encompasses over 21 million young people. He clarified that the MK Project, or PLU (Patriotic League of Uganda) as it may be referred to, is not a political party but a civic organization aimed at promoting patriotism and love for the country. Barugahara encouraged individuals to join this civic initiative, emphasizing his appointment as Minister as an opportunity to address challenges affecting young people.
In addition to Barugahara’s vetting, the Appointments Committee also scrutinized other recently appointed ministers in President Museveni’s cabinet reshuffle. Among those vetted were Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, Dr. Kenneth Omona, Lillian Aber, Phiona Nyamutoro, and Florence Nambozo Wamala.
