Our Deputy Ambassador Guillaume Chartrain had the pleasure to address the 3rd National Youth Symposium organized by the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy. 

The symposium reflects on 20 years of multiparty politics in Uganda under the theme: “The Role of Young People in Building a Democratic, United and Prosperous Uganda.”

Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy

Addressing guests, he described democracy as a continuous process of transmission across generations, dialogue not denial, and service with responsibility.

Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy

Mr Chartrain noted that in the European Union's collaboration with the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy, the Uganda Youth Network, and the Uganda Democracy Academy, "#TeamEurope, invests not in visibility campaigns—but in leadership preparation. In civic education. In political dialogue. In spaces like this one."

The event witnessed 118 young Ugandan leaders graduating from the #DemocracyAcademyUG, Uganda Democracy Fellowship, and Uganda Democracy Academy - Masterclass programs.

Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy

"Democracy is not a finished project. It must be inherited, challenged, and re-imagined—generation after generation. Uganda’s future will not be written in manifestos alone. It will be written in your conduct. Your choices. Your example," Deputy Ambassador Chartrain said. "So go forward with courage. Speak truth to power—but also build the power of truth. Challenge without tearing down. Lead with humility. Serve with integrity. And always—lead to be, not to have."

The Ambassador of Sweden to Uganda, Maria Håkansson addressed the Symposium, and emphasized Sweden’s and the EU’s commitment to Uganda’s democracy, noting the importance of reflection, dialogue, and youth engagement in building a prosperous, united future. "A strong democracy relies on engaged citizens who stay informed, participate in discussions & holding their elected officials responsible. And the future of democracy lies in the youth," she said. 

Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy

See in full: 

Nertherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy