Uganda to Host Historic Afro-Arab Youth Congress 2025.
The stage is set for one of the largest youth gatherings in Africa and the Arab world as Uganda prepares to host the Afro-Arab Youth Congress 2025 from 7th to 10th October at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala.
The landmark event will run under the powerful theme: “Amplifying Youth Voices for Peace, Unity and Prosperity.”
Announcing the event at the Uganda Media Centre, Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, confirmed that the Congress will be hosted by the Afro-Arab Youth Council (AAYC) in partnership with the Government of Uganda under the Office of the President and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.
“Peace cannot be sustained without the meaningful involvement of young people; unity cannot be achieved without bridging divides; and prosperity cannot be achieved unless it harnesses the vibrant energies of young people,” the Minister stated.
This year’s Congress will feature the launch of a fundraising drive for the construction of the AAYC International Headquarters in Nakawuka, Uganda.
The fundraising will be coordinated by Afro-Arab Youth Council Special Envoy Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, with the involvement of five visiting Heads of State and Uganda’s own President H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the patron of AAYC.
Key Highlights of the Congress will include:
• High-level keynote sessions with African and Arab youth ministers, policymakers, and development partners.
• A non-elective General Assembly adopting the Kampala Declaration on Afro-Arab Youth Cooperation with concrete recommendations for governments and international bodies.
• Interactive panels and workshops led by youth changemakers.
• Youth innovation exhibitions, cultural nights, and business networking forums.
A Dream City for Youth Empowerment.
AAYC Secretary-General Dr. Abbas Agaba unveiled visionary plans for the Afro-Arab Youth City, to be built on 50 acres of land donated by President Museveni. The futuristic complex will house:
1. An office block
2. An international-standard hotel
3. A sports stadium
4. A cultural heritage center
5. A University of Science and Technology
“This is more than a building; it’s a dream city that will promote unity, cultural exchange, and youth empowerment,” Dr. Agaba said, praising the President for fulfilling his land pledge and initiating fundraising with fellow heads of state.
A Call for Unity Against Global Challenges.
On the same platform, Oliva Mutesi, President of the Pan African Youth Union, called on young Africans and Arabs to unite against oppression, war, and discrimination.
“We are being attacked. So it’s time we become each other’s keepers,” she urged.
The Congress is expected to attract over 1,000 delegates from African and Arab countries, including youth leaders, entrepreneurs, students, ministers, diplomats, UN agencies, development partners, civil society, and the media.
As the countdown begins, Hon. Balaam Barugahara called on the youth of Uganda to seize this opportunity to network, learn, and showcase their innovations on a continental and global stage.
“Let us represent our nation with pride and make Uganda the heartbeat of Afro-Arab youth cooperation,” he concluded.
