AAYC Secretary General Provides Comprehensive Council Status Update at Executive Meeting Opening

In a landmark gathering at Speke Hotel, Kampala, the Executive Committee of the Afro Arab Youth Council (AAYC) convened to assess the organization's progress and strategize for the future. Chaired by Mr. Ebenezer Oyetakin the Chairman Audit and Supervisory Committee, the meeting underscored AAYC’s dedication to fostering unity, peace, and socio-economic transformation across Africa and the Arab world.
A major highlight of the report presented by the secretary general Hon. Dr. Abbas Agaba, was the update of the construction of the AAYC International Headquarters in Nakawuka, Wakiso District. The ambitious project, spearheaded by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni alongside other Heads of State, aims to house an international office block, a sports stadium, a hotel, a University of Science and Technology, and a Cultural Heritage Centre.
With 50 acres of land already secured, the Council is now focusing on mobilizing funds to bring the project to fruition. Dr. Agaba revealed that letters seeking financial support had been dispatched to leaders of AAYC member states, marking a critical phase in the organization's expansion.
Diplomatic Engagements and Strategic Partnerships
The AAYC has engaged extensively with ambassadors from key member states, including the UAE, Algeria, Libya, Kenya, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. In his presentation, the secretary general noted that these engagements have not only solidified diplomatic ties but also led to commitments for funding and youth development initiatives such as scholarships and cultural exchange programs.
Additionally, the Council has fostered partnerships with global organizations such as the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), which contributed $70,000 to Butabika National Referral Hospital for mental health support. The signing of Memoranda of Understanding with ICESCO and the Pan African Youth Union (PYU) further cements AAYC’s international influence.
Youth Empowerment at the Core
AAYC continues to champion youth development through various programs, including the Uganda National Students Association (UNSA) Debate Championships, leadership training, and peace-building initiatives. The secretary general Hon. Dr. Abbas Agaba explained that the University chapters have been established in Makerere University, Kampala International University, and the Islamic University in Uganda to engage students in leadership and intercultural collaboration.
In addition, the Council has played a pivotal role in community outreach efforts such as the Ramadhan Iftar Program, which provided meals to over 5,000 fasting individuals across Uganda, and the Fruit Tree Planting Initiative in Teso Sub-region, which promotes environmental sustainability and food security.
Navigating Challenges and the Road Ahead.

Despite these strides, the AAYC faces critical challenges, including mobilizing government contributions towards the headquarters construction and addressing the Sudan crisis. The organization is also pushing for official recognition by the African Union, a move that has been hindered by bureaucratic delays.
Looking forward, the AAYC is gearing up for its 21st anniversary, which coincides with the holy month of Ramadan, necessitating strategic planning to ensure meaningful participation. 
According to the secretary general Hon. Dr. Abbas Agaba, the organization is also preparing for its General Council meeting, were key decisions, including setting a date for the elective General Assembly, will be made. Courtesy visits to Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo are in the pipeline to strengthen regional collaborations. Additionally, the Council is working on incorporating new proposals into the AAYC Charter, particularly concerning the structure and roles of the Executive Committee, to enhance governance and efficiency.
As the Council prepares for its 21st anniversary and a crucial General Assembly to elect new leadership, Dr. Agaba emphasized the importance of collective effort in realizing AAYC’s mission. "The youth are the driving force of change. Together, we can create a future where Africans and Arabs unite for peace, development, and prosperity," he stated.
With a bold vision, diplomatic engagements, and youth-driven initiatives, the Afro Arab Youth Council is poised to shape a new era of cooperation and growth in the region.