Youth is a blessed time for the young and a grace for the Church and for the world. It is joy, a song of hope and a blessing. Making the most of our youthful years entails seeing this season of life as worthwhile in itself, and not simply as a brief prelude to adulthood” Christus Vivit (Christ is Alive) by Pope
Francis. On the 15th of February, 2025, the Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Association (AMDA) Youth convened at the Lishi Resort Hotel in Kisaasi for the occasion: the AMDA Youth handover and day out. The handover, attended by 135 youths including both incoming and outgoing leaders, was graced by the presence of distinguished guests. The Honorable Benard Odoi, Eastern Uganda Youth Member of Parliament, was represented by Hon. Osborn Turyasingura, the National Coordinator of the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Youth Affairs. The AMDA Executive Committee was also in attendance, with Rev. Fr. Dr. Darius Magunda, the Chaplain, and Mr. Benedict Agaba, the Deputy Secretary General, representing the Chairperson of AMDA. Mr. Bruce Arinaitwe, who had diligently served as the Chairperson of AMDA Youth since 2017, entrusted the mantle of leadership to Mr. Onesmus Kansiime. The new leadership is poised to guide the association through the years 2025 to 2027. In his valedictory address, Mr. Arinaitwe reflected on his tenure, highlighting the association’s accomplishments and expressing profound gratitude to the outgoing Executive Committee for their unwavering dedication. He underscored the essence of unity and active member participation as cornerstones for the sustained growth of AMDA Youth. Assuming his new role, Mr. Kansiime, formerly the Head of Publicity and Community Relations for AMDA Youth, articulated a forward-looking vision for AMDA Youth. He delineated plans to synergize upcoming activities with AMDA’s 7 foundational pillars: Unity, Spiritual Development, Leadership Development, Health, Education Development, Environmental Sustainability, and Economic Empowerment. Mr. Kansiime introduced the forthcoming year’s calendar aimed at personal development, community engagement, and leadership cultivation among the youth. Rev. Fr. Dr. Darius Magunda reinforced the imperative of active involvement in AMDA’s endeavors. He exhorted the youth to embody the association’s core values in both personal and communal spheres, ensuring that these principles remain the bedrock of their actions and decisions. He encouraged the new leadership to demonstrate that young people engaged in the church are right and that the church is worthwhile. Representing Hon. Benard Odoi, Hon. Osborn Turyasingura accentuated the critical role of youth leadership in community advancement, lauded the outgoing team for their steadfast commitment and encouraged the incoming leaders to prioritize personal growth and community involvement. He highlighted the importance of strategic planning and called upon all members to engage earnestly in upcoming initiatives to perpetuate the growth and impact of AMDA Youth. We too are Pilgrims of Hope. The new AMDA Youth Leadership promised to deliver with Hope. “Spes Non Confudit (Hope Does Not Disappoint,” Pope Francis.