The Eighth East African Youth Parliament wrapped up in Arusha with passionate appeals for bravery, humility, solidarity, and tangible action as the region’s young leaders deliberated on their role in fostering integration, governance, and peace across the Community.
The two-day gathering, held on 26 and 27 September 2025 under the theme “Local Youth Actions for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Beyond),” brought together 80 representatives from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).
Opening the session, the Clerk of EALA, Alex Obatre, challenged delegates to go beyond rhetoric and symbolism, urging them to ensure their debates produce actionable communiqués that could be tracked and implemented by national parliaments and EALA itself.
“You have set yourselves targets. You are going to deliberate on this. You come up with recommendations. Where will those recommendations end?” he asked.
“I urge that we move from discussions to communiqués, and these communiqués are pursued to parliaments and to EALA… What standardized documents can we produce from these eight parliaments which we can simultaneously present to all our legislatures?”
He emphasized that such communiqués would be essential to gauge the Youth Parliament’s impact on regional policy, adding, “in that way, we will be able to follow whether our resolutions are sinking down, making their way onto the agenda of national parliaments.”
Erik van der Zanden of the Sankara Peace Foundation encouraged delegates to embrace leadership anchored in courage and humility.
“The most important attribute of any leader is courage. But courage without humility leads to downfall. If we train ourselves to be humble and courageous, destiny ensures we become great leaders,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of Akina Mama Wa Africa (AMwA), Stella Nansamba reminded participants that inclusion is not a favor but a right.
“Effective youth participation is about creating avenues for young people to influence, shape, design, and contribute to policy. Women’s and youths’ meaningful involvement ensures accountability, strengthens democracy, and builds resilience in societies facing numerous crises,” she said.
Elijah Tipango of the East African Youth Network reminded delegates of their duty, cautioning them against treating the sitting as symbolic.
“We gather here not as representatives of our countries, but as custodians of our shared dream. You are not here just for photos. We are not the leaders of tomorrow; we are the leaders of today… Any table without a youth, we shall bring this table,” he declared.
David Ivan Masajjage, the Assistant Director of Communications and Public Affairs at the Parliament of Uganda, urged the youth to seize opportunities such as the Youth Parliament to transform their lives.
Other speakers echoed the urgency. Philip Nabyama of the Parliament of Uganda urged the youth to embrace their legislative role, while Edmund Akoto of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in Ghana noted that eloquence without substance is meaningless.
Representing Faraja Africa Foundation, Joseph Munyangabo reminded delegates that youth power must be used responsibly, encouraging them to speak with substance, lead with courage, debate with integrity, and legislate with vision.
The Youth Parliament quickly moved into substantive business and passed several important motions.
The first, introduced by Uganda’s Ivan Ahurra and seconded by Ivan Lakisa, called on East African Community (EAC) member states to protect the digital rights of young people, citing restrictions on freedom of expression, social media shutdowns, and high roaming costs.
The second, presented by Jean Felix Rugongo of Rwanda, urged the Community to operationalize youth participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
A motion was passed calling on the Community to advance inclusive sexual and reproductive health and rights for adolescents and young people, with a strong pledge to remove barriers to access.
Another motion urged the Community to strengthen education systems across partner states to ensure quality, equity, and wider opportunities for learners.
The House also adopted a motion on boosting youth participation in economic development and governance, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping the region’s future.
Finally, a motion was endorsed to enhance peace, security, and youth-led cross-border cooperation to support deeper regional integration and free movement.
Closing the sitting, Speaker of EALA, Rt. Hon. Joseph Ntakirutimana, urged the youth to claim their space in shaping the region’s future but to do so wisely.
“You still have a long way to go… If you do not rise up, if you do not address issues, you get nothing from me,” he said.
Reflecting on decades of political life, he noted how many leaders cling to power into old age. “Some are 90, even 100. Some cannot even walk, but it’s a fact they stay there,” he observed.
He cautioned against reckless action, instead advocating for strategic thinking.
“Please… fight, but in the way that you remain alive… Use your mind, your brain,” he said.
Ending on a hopeful note, the Speaker added, “we love you. We want you to grow and replace us. And we will always open our doors to you.”
The East African Youth Parliament, established in 2017, remains a platform for young leaders across the region to influence the future of integration.
It has evolved into a recognized space for amplifying youth voices on governance, peace, and development.
This year’s session was supported by the Faraja Africa Foundation, the Parliament of Uganda, EALA, AMwA, and other partners.
As delegates departed Arusha, they carried the challenge placed before them — to ensure that their unity, resolutions, and energy translate into concrete action across East Africa.
