By Caroline. N.
The Eighth East African Youth Parliament concluded in Arusha with impassioned appeals for bravery, humility, solidarity, and tangible action, as young leaders from across the region reflected on their role in deepening integration, promoting good governance, and advancing peace within the East African Community (EAC).
The two-day session, held on 26’–27 September 2025 under the theme “Local Youth Actions for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Beyond”, convened 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 meeting, EALA Clerk Alex Obatre challenged the young delegates to ensure their deliberations result in concrete outcomes. “You have set yourselves targets. You come up with recommendations. Where will those recommendations end?” he asked, urging the production of actionable communiqués that national parliaments and EALA could track and implement. “What standardised documents can we produce from these eight parliaments to simultaneously present to all our legislatures?”
He stressed that such communiqués were vital to measure the Youth Parliament’s true impact on regional policy.
Erik van der Zanden of the Sankara Peace Foundation emphasised the need for courage balanced with humility. “The most important attribute of any leader is courage. But courage without humility leads to downfall,” he said.
From Akina Mama wa Afrika (AMwA), Stella Nansamba reminded participants that youth and women’s inclusion is not a privilege 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,” she said.
Other speakers echoed the urgency of responsibility. Elijah Tipango of the East African Youth Network warned against reducing the gathering to symbolic gestures. “We gather here not as representatives of our countries, but as custodians of our shared dream. We are not the leaders of tomorrow; we are the leaders of today,” he declared.
Representatives from Uganda’s Parliament, including David Ivan Masajjage and Philip Nabyama, encouraged youth to embrace legislative opportunities. Similarly, Edmund Akoto of Ghana’s Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre cautioned that eloquence without substance is meaningless. Faraja Africa Foundation’s Joseph Munyangabo urged delegates to lead with courage and integrity, reminding them that “youth power must be used responsibly.”
The session moved swiftly into substantive business, adopting several key motions:
A motion by Uganda’s Ivan Ahurra, seconded by Ivan Lakisa, called on EAC member states to protect young people’s digital rights, citing social media restrictions, high roaming charges, and freedom of expression concerns.
Rwanda’s Jean Felix Rugongo successfully tabled a motion urging the operationalisation of youth participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Delegates passed a motion advocating inclusive sexual and reproductive health and rights for adolescents and young people, pledging to dismantle access barriers.
A call was made to strengthen education systems across the region to ensure quality, equity, and broader opportunities.
The House endorsed a motion promoting youth participation in governance and economic development.
Finally, members adopted a motion to enhance peace, security, and youth-led cross-border cooperation, seen as central to regional integration and free movement.
Closing the sitting, EALA Speaker Rt. Hon. Joseph Ntakirutimana urged delegates to seize their moment 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 the region’s political realities, 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 remarked.
Cautioning against reckless activism, he instead encouraged strategic thinking: “Fight, but in the way that you remain alive. Use your mind, your brain.” Yet he closed on an uplifting note: “We love you. We want you to grow and replace us. And we will always open our doors to you.”
Since its establishment in 2017, the East African Youth Parliament has become a recognised platform for amplifying young voices on governance, peace, and development. This year’s edition was supported by Faraja Africa Foundation, the Parliament of Uganda, EALA, AMwA, and other partners.
As delegates departed Arusha, they carried with them the challenge to turn unity, resolutions, and youthful energy into concrete action across East Africa.