Africa-Press – Uganda. The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has called on young people to innovate beyond technology, emphasizing that creativity and ideas are critical in addressing unemployment and driving socio-economic transformation.
The message was delivered during the inaugural Nile Excellence Annual Awards held at Rock City Hotel in Tororo.
Speaking at the event, Ibrahim Bbosa, Head of Public Relations and International Relations at UCC, urged youths, media practitioners, and content creators to embrace innovation that goes beyond digital tools and technology.
He stressed that creativity and the practical application of ideas are essential in solving community challenges and generating employment.
“Innovation is not just about technology. It is about ideas, creativity, and how people utilize available resources to generate income and transform communities,” Bbosa said.
Bbosa encouraged media practitioners and content creators to innovate in storytelling, production, and content distribution, noting that the creative industry has immense potential to absorb unemployed youth. He added that UCC remains committed to supporting innovative and inclusive media initiatives that equip young people with sustainable skills.
Eastern Uganda continues to face a significant youth unemployment challenge, with estimates indicating that over 60 percent of young people in the region lack formal employment.
The Nile Excellence Annual Awards were established to bridge the gap between talent and business opportunities by recognizing, supporting, and promoting creativity as a pathway to entrepreneurship and job creation.
Dr. Anthony Mula, Director General of the Busoga Consortium for Development, pledged technical collaboration and urged young people to leverage the digital era to create their own income sources.
“Uganda can move from a third-world to a middle-income economy by harnessing the digital era and the skills young people acquire to generate income,” Dr. Mula said.
Cinderella Damba, President of the Nile Excellence Annual Awards and Miss Tourism Eastern Region, emphasized the initiative’s commitment to sustained support for winners.
“We are not ending with awards. Our focus is to follow up with the winners and connect them to partners and investors so their ideas can grow into impactful projects,” Damba noted.
Samuel Mwesigwa, Chairman of the Nile Excellence Awards, underscored the need to transform Eastern Uganda into a hub for technological and creative innovation. He appealed to the Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, to support initiatives that nurture youth creativity.
“We appeal to the government to support programs that harness the creativity and innovation of young people,” Mwesigwa said.
The inaugural awards recognized excellence in over 20 categories, including media, arts, content creation, innovation, tourism, and heritage. Award recipients expressed appreciation for the platform.
Deven Kansiime King, winner of Best Youth Women Initiative for Development, thanked the organizers and pledged continued support for the initiative. Sarah Musime, winner of Best TV Personality and founder of a community organization supporting elderly women and youth, praised the awards for promoting regional talent and expanding opportunities.
Renowned Ugandan artist Magada Kaime, popularly known as Maars, also commended the initiative for celebrating talent outside major cities.
“Most initiatives focus on city-based talent, yet there is immense potential in the regions. Platforms like the Nile Excellence Annual Awards give regional talent national visibility,” Maars said.
The Nile Excellence Annual Awards showcased Eastern Uganda’s creativity and innovation, offering a practical pathway for transforming youth unemployment into entrepreneurship and sustainable socio-economic development.
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