By Atia Jude

A total of over 14 million shillings is needed by youth in Lira before 15^th September 2017 for the district to hold celebrations to mark the International Youth Day.

The draft budget was shared during one of the preparatory meetings. The celebration which is slated for the 15^th September this year is expected to be officiated by the state minister for Youth and Children affairs Florence Kiyingi.

Speaking at the preparatory meeting for the celebration, Stephen Adea, the Lira district youth chairperson said, despite the need for this huge money, Lira district has budgeted for only five hundred thousand for youth activities this year.

He said, youth under their umbrella National Youth Council, want to be put under a separate secretariat from Gender Labour and Social Development as the youth are always left out during budgeting by the ministry

He appealed to different Non Governmental Organizations, partners, private sectors to financially support the youth in the celebration of this important day.

Lira district secretary community based services who is the women councilor representing Adekokwok and Ngetta Sub county in the district Santa Angela, while addressing the youths said the district will fully be in support of the youths but said that the youth have a poor record of accountability.

She pledged to help solicit for support for this program from our legislators particularly the woman member of parliament lira district.

She also blames the ministry for poorly supporting the youth programs and asked them to be cooperative if their development plans are to be achieved.

The celebration will be on the theme, YOUTH BUILDING PEACE and the activities which will take place shall include ; HIV counseling and testing, foot ball, drama among others.