Bunyangabu District, Uganda — A youth leadership development organization, SoarAway Africa, has intensified its nationwide career guidance campaign with a series of impactful school visits in Bunyangabu District, encouraging secondary school learners to prepare for responsible and purposeful futures.
Licensed by the Ministry of Education and Sports to conduct career guidance across the country, the organization is engaging young people at a critical time when Africa’s demographic trends present both opportunity and risk. With nearly 70% of the continent’s population under the age of 30, experts say the future of Africa will largely depend on how this youthful population is nurtured.
During the Bunyangabu outreach, a team from SoarAway Africa visited several schools, including Nyakigumba Parents Secondary School, St. Mbaga Secondary School, Mother Secondary School in Nyakigumba Town Council, as well as Rubona Secondary School and Buhesi Secondary School. The sessions focused on personal development, leadership, and career awareness.
Addressing the students, Douglas Drake Onen, a lawyer serving under African youth representation in Uganda and attached to SoarAway Africa, urged learners to approach education with purpose.
“Learn with a purpose to influence history,” Onen said, encouraging students to reflect on the journeys of prominent Ugandans and global figures. He emphasized that many of today’s leaders were once students who actively participated in school and shaped their futures through determination and curiosity.
He also called on learners to deepen their understanding of Uganda’s history and the wider world.
The sessions were further enriched by the powerful testimony of Ndi Megga Nalutaaya, the Founder and CEO of SoarAway Africa, whose life story resonated strongly with the students.
Nalutaaya, who lost both her parents at the age of five and grew up in a challenging environment marked by poverty, violence, and instability, encouraged students to focus on building strong character rather than outward appearances.
“Character is the driver of true success,” she told the learners, adding that her story reflects the reality faced by millions of African children.
Despite her early hardships, Nalutaaya has emerged as a leader committed to empowering others. She reminded students that every young African has the potential to overcome adversity and make a meaningful impact.
“I believe every African child deserves the opportunity to thrive, to become a leader, and to shape their community,” she said. “There is power within you to create a brighter future for Africa.”
The initiative underscores SoarAway Africa’s belief that youth are the continent’s greatest resource. Through such engagements, the organization hopes to equip learners with the mindset, skills, and resilience needed to transform Africa’s demographic surge into a force for progress rather than a looming crisis.
