The head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col. Edith Nakalema, has met with a group of youth and student leaders at SHIPU’s offices in Kampala to discuss career guidance through technological innovation and using these advancements to address societal challenges.
The meeting brought together prominent student leaders, including Mr. Johnson Obbo Emmanuel, Nationwide Dialogue Committee Coordinator; Mr. Abias Musiime and Mr. Simon Nuwahereza Desire from Makerere University; Christopher Wasswa, Speaker of the Uganda National Students Association (UNSA); Francis Olot, President of UNSA; Moses Amanya, Guild President of Makerere University Business School (MUBS); Rodney Adroni, Guild Prime Minister of Makerere University; and Jacob Eyeru, Chairperson of the National Youth Council.
During the engagement, the student leaders showcased various innovations, including a technology-driven platform for career guidance, which impressed Col. Nakalema.
“It is inspiring to see how you are harnessing technology to determine your paths and understand your competencies,” she said. “Thank you for this lesson; I didn’t realize the extent to which you have advanced in using technology for self-determination and development.”
Col. Nakalema encouraged the youth to utilize their technological skills to solve pressing societal problems, such as unemployment.
“Each of you is unique, and if you can balance your passion with your competencies to address societal needs, the world would be a much better place,” she added.
The SHIPU head also introduced the Electronic Investors Protection Portal, an application designed to protect investors by reducing human interaction in investment processes, which can often lead to fraud. This system, developed by young Ugandan innovators, facilitates quick and secure investment processes without the need for middlemen.
She praised the youth for their creativity and innovation and urged them to maintain humility and seek guidance in their pursuits.
“While it is commendable to be confident in your direction, always seek God’s guidance to avoid overconfidence,” she advised.
Col. Nakalema also stressed the importance of wealth creation and fighting corruption.
“My role is to promote wealth creation in Uganda, and I am delighted to see that you are already taking transformative steps towards this goal. Innovations like yours are the foundation for creating wealth,” she stated.
She further called on the youth to join the national effort against corruption. “Everyone in this country is tired of corruption. It can only be fought by organizing ourselves to be more productive,” she said.
Mr. Joshua Asiimwe, a participant in the meeting, highlighted how the youth leaders are aligning their innovations with the new competence-based curriculum, which prioritizes practical problem-solving over grades.
He expressed gratitude to Col. Nakalema for her continued engagement and support for youth development initiatives.
The leaders thanked Col. Nakalema for her dedication to youth empowerment and for providing a platform for discussing their innovative contributions to Uganda’s development.
