Zombo: Thousands to benefit from training on cross-border trade

The Second edition of Zombo Youth Summit 2024 is to specifically enlighten and train youths on the parameters of cross-border trade between Uganda and DR Congo.

The summit being organized by youths in Zombo is to take place at Paidha Cultural Centre in Paidha Town Council Zombo District on January 6, 2024.

The summit according to the organizers is to attract thousands of youths and youth leaders from various positions  and officials from Uganda Revenue Authorities.

Sam Rwothomio, One of the organizers explained that officials from URA have been contacted to offer more lectures to youths on legal procedures on cross-border trade and other cross-border trade-related merits.

Rwothomio also commended the leadership of the Paidha Town Council for giving them space at the cultural centre for the forthcoming summit. 

” We are expecting the nation’s Youth Council Chairperson Hon Eyeru and also our Revenue officials who are coming to give youths more knowledge. Since  Zombo is a border District, we need our revenue officials to come and explain to  us what we can do to lawfully carry out cross border business especially with our Congolese counterparts. Most of us don’t have legal perspective on cross border trade” Rwothomio told Journalists in a press conference at Siri Yaa Maendeleo Guest House in Paidha Town Council.

The first edition of the Zombo Youth Summit last year was focused on employment opportunities. This year’s edition is under the theme  ” Youth in Business and Leadership”.

Subsequently, many youths who engage in illicit cross-border trade in Zombo have been facing the wrath of security operatives. On several occasions, it has led to body  injuries and even loss of lives.

The Zombo District Youth Chairperson Amos Jacan has rallied youths to turn up in big numbers such that they benefit from the initiative. He noted that the youths shall also be sensitized on several Government Programmes like the Youth Livelihood Programme, and the Parish Development model amongst others.

Jacan called upon youths not to only focus on politics but also explore business opportunities that can make them easily prosper.

” We Call upon youths to turn in big numbers such that we explore the opportunities from those who have made it in their endeavours” Jacan noted.

Yayaha Bhakit, one of the organizers said “We expect many youths as we are going to have digital experts to make us explore the digital world as far as ICT is concerned”.