Youth have been urged to use media responsibly and creatively to promote national development and positive values.

This was during a training on “The Role of Media to the Youth in Uganda” held at Tooro Zonal Industrial Hub in Kijwiiga, Kyenjojo District.

The training, organized in partnership with the Tooro Industrial Hub management and the Kyenjojo District Local Government, brought together dozens of young people from the districts of Kyenjojo, Bunyangabu, Kabarole, Kamwenge and Kyegegwa, to learn how media can be used as a tool for empowerment, civic participation, and information sharing.

Speaking during the session, facilitators emphasized that media — both traditional and digital — remains a vital instrument in shaping attitudes, building skills, and amplifying youth voices in Uganda’s development agenda.

“Media is not just about entertainment. It is a platform for education, innovation, and national transformation,” emphasized Johnson Atuhaire, the District Communication Officer, at Kyenjojo District. “Young people must learn to use local media to tell success stories, promote government programs, and inspire their peers to participate in community development.”

The training highlighted how radio, television, social media, and community platforms can be used to spread awareness about initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and Youth Livelihood Program (YLP). Participants were also encouraged to create positive content that promotes patriotism, discipline, and entrepreneurship among youth.

Participants also discussed challenges associated with irresponsible media use, including misinformation, cyberbullying, and exposure to harmful content. They also emphasized calls for media literacy education, ethical reporting, and digital safety awareness to help young people navigate the modern communication landscape responsibly.

 Students at the Tooro Zonal Hub, at the Kijwiiga Skilling Center, keenly follow proceedings during the training.

Captain Denis Kakuru, the Head mindset change at Tooro Industrial Hub, commended the initiative, noting that empowering youth with communication skills supports the government’s efforts toward socio-economic transformation.

“When our young people understand how to use media constructively, they become ambassadors of development and peace,” he said. “We encourage them to use their voices to promote unity and productivity within their communities.”

The Tooro Zonal Industrial Hub, one of Uganda’s regional skilling centers, continues to provide youth with training in various trades — including tailoring, carpentry, welding, bakery, and now communication skills — aimed at enhancing employability and self-reliance.

Participants expressed appreciation for the hands-on training, pledging to use local radio and social media platforms to share development information and inspire other youth across the Tooro region.

The training concluded with a call to action for all young people to embrace responsible media use as a pathway to national growth, innovation, and transformation.